Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Accepted
Data on reasons for out-of-area placements is essential for understanding and change.
Conclusion
We disagree with the Department’s view that data on the reasons for out- of-area placements are not needed. While data collection itself may not directly lead to improvements, it is essential to fully understand the nature and scale of the problem in order to effect meaningful change. (Conclusion, Paragraph 45)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the importance of data for out-of-area placements and commits to improving the evidence base by collecting data on the reasons for such placements, focusing on consistent, timely, and robust collection to distinguish between interest-based and capacity-driven placements.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
We agree with the Committee that data to understand the nature and scale of out-of-area placements are important to inform policy and drive improvements. We are therefore committed to improving the evidence base, including collecting data on the reasons for out-of-area placements. Our immediate focus is on ensuring a more consistent approach to data collection across local authorities, and to deliver more timely, robust, and consistent data on the reasons for out-of-area placements, distinguishing between placements made in a child’s best interests and those driven by capacity issues.