Children's services

Case studies

Local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure sufficient childcare in their local areas. They are required to undertake a childcare sufficiency assessment, develop an action plan and manage the market to better meet the needs of children and families.

We have supported over 50 local authorities in completing their assessment and/or action plan. Our work included: analysis of demographic and socio-economic factors; consultations with parents/carers, childcare providers and employers about local need via questionnaires, focus groups and interviews; and analysis of supply data. We produced concise and targeted gap analyses that highlighted key priorities to inform the action plan. Our action planning approach ensured that all relevant stakeholders were involved in improving childcare and that actions linked explicitly to strategic priorities within the Children's Trust.

The task of responding to Lord Laming's recommendations following the deaths of Baby P and Victoria Climbie is challenging and complex.

We are currently supporting a number of local authorities on safeguarding and child protection. For example:

• Leadership and management support to senior managers within a local authority
• Support to a Local Children's Safeguarding Board
• Review of policies, procedures and practice
• Case file audits
• Reviews of Duty Room recording and practice
• Support to youth offending teams and youth inclusion services, especially around risk and harm
• Development of a preventative strategy for a local authority

3. Evaluation of an anti-child-poverty programme
Client: London Borough

As part of the government's drive to tackle child poverty, the "One Large Intervention" initiative was designed to address key areas of disadvantage in targeted locations within this London Borough. Operating initially as a two-year pilot, it brought together partners from the local authority, the PCT and a number of voluntary sector providers. These organisations worked together at two key sites and aimed to deliver a holistic range of support which would make a real impact on child poverty.

Cordis Bright evaluated the process and outcomes of "One Large Intervention" at the end of the two-year pilot. Our work involved qualitative and quantitative survey work, as well as business-planning support to the voluntary sector providers. The research involved engaging with a number of traditionally excluded groups, including families who have recently arrived in the UK, and those living in extreme poverty. Our recommendations included methods for improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the partnership through a tighter focus on SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timed) outcomes.