Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Accepted
Collect DfE data distinguishing out-of-area child placements by reasons of interest versus capacity.
Conclusion
The Department for Education should collect data on the proportion of children who are placed out of area because it is in their own interests compared with those placed out of area due to capacity issues, so that the situation can be properly monitored and any improvements can be recognised. (Recommendation, Paragraph 47)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, committing to improving the evidence base and collecting data on the reasons for out-of-area placements, specifically distinguishing between those made in a child’s best interests and those due to capacity issues.
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.