Development of the National Indicator Set and Tellus Survey

1. Development of the National Indicator Set and Tellus Survey Rob Sinclair Alison Thompson (DCSF)

2. NIS Development: Aims and Timescale • Aim to develop the second version of the NIS to: • Reflect emerging policy priorities for next spending period • Address gaps in the current NIS • Consider whether balance of NIs across ECM outcomes and DSOs is right • Incorporate better data that has since become available • Timing: • Uncertain, as SR timing not confirmed • but this project runs from late ’08 to late summer ’09 • Currently: • Producing initial thinking on ‘NI theory’, gaps and balance – share some of this in following slides • Gathering feedback from policy and will then circulate note to ADCS standards, performance and inspection cttee

3. Purpose of NIS • NIS: Set of indicators central Govt can use to performance manage local authorities • But two alternative methods: • Use NIS to drive change, including what central Govt wants local areas to focus on; or • Use NIS to measure as comprehensively as possible the performance of the system in delivering good outcomes for children, young people and families • Unclear which currently being followed • Joined up Children’s Services • How should the NIS fit with other perf mgmt frameworks?

4. Processes vs Outcomes • Guidance from HMT/CLG: outcomes focus • But only gives you part of picture • Friedman: both outcomes and process • Shows how and whether outcomes achieved • Measurement issue: • Outcomes difficult to measure and subject to inaccuracy

5. Balance of NIs? • Often Claimed: • DCSF ‘owned’ NIs are unbalanced across the ECM outcomes, towards attainment • But: • If NIs owned by other Depts are included, NIS looks more balanced DCSF NIs DCSF + OGD NIs • Cross-cutting indicators: • We currently only allow NIs to appear under one outcome • If allow multiple times, set more balanced

6. Tellus Update (1) • Tellus is the source of data to inform 5 DCSF NIs and 3 DCSF-led PSAs • NI 50: Emotional health (PSA 12 Improves child health and well-being) • NI 69: Bullying (PSA13 Improve child safety) • NI 110 : Positive activities & NI 115: Substance misuse (PSA 14 Young people on the path to success) • NI 199: Parks and play areas • The survey: • annual survey • covers years 6, 8 and 10 • includes all types of mainstream schools (primary, middle, secondary, academies, PRUs and special schools) • inclusive of vulnerable and hard to reach groups such as children with SEN and disabilities • seeks CYP perceptions of, and experiences and satisfaction with universal services available to them (but not specialist services)

7. Tellus Update (2) New developments • Conducted by NfER • Schools can include all CYP in Years 6, 8 and 10 • Autumn term rather than the summer term • SEND versions • Question bank schools/LAs can select their own questions from • PSHE & Citizenship curriculum pack to support delivery • Feedback reports to schools • Secure web-based analytical tool for schools to analyse own results

8. Tellus Update (3)

9. Some issues to discuss… • What are the limitations and benefits of national indicators as a means of performance managing local areas across the range of their work? • Do you think indicators should be based on processes, outcomes or a mixture of both? And why? • Can CYP interests be met by a national indicator measuring outcomes/processes for all service users? Or do we need more CYP focussed indicators? • What’s the best way of engaging you on the detail of NI proposals for the next indicator set?