This dataset provides 2011 estimates that classify families in households in United Kingdom by the number of dependent children in the family. The estimates are as at census day, 27 March 2011.

Estimates of dependent children are used by the Department of Education and others to monitor the status and changes in the number, characteristics and family circumstances of children, to inform policy and target the provision of services particularly to those in vulnerable groups.

In Northern Ireland this table is numbered QS115NI.

In order to protect against disclosure of personal information from the 2011 Census, there has been swapping of records in the Census database between different geographic areas, and so some counts will be affected. In the main, the greatest effects will be at the lowest geographies, since the record swapping is targeted towards those households with unusual characteristics in small areas.

More details on the ONS Census disclosure control strategy may be found on the http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/census/2011/census-data/2011-census-prospectus/new-developments-for-2011-census-results/statistical-disclosure-control/index.html[Statistical Disclosure Control] page on the ONS web site.