Data lacking on teens and toddlers, survey reveals

There are gaps in the data available about children before they start formal education and as they enter their teenage years, a survey of children’s services staff has revealed.

The survey, conducted by information system provider Capita, revealed that while 94% of respondents were confident in the information they had access to on five to 14-year-olds, 47% were concerned about the data held on young people aged 14 to 19 and 41% lacked confidence in the information available on children from birth to age five.

Pete Houselander, managing director of Capita One, said the findings highlighted some of Graham Allen’s critical points in the first instalment of his review of early intervention services.

“The government-commissioned Allen Review, highlighted the need for effective prevention and early intervention strategies to be put in place to improve outcomes for children and families as budget cuts make their mark on public services,” he said.

“Having access to a wide range of information on children, through each stage of their lives, is critical to ensuring this approach achieves good results.”

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