Making the most of children centre management data: a researcher-practitioner partnership approach

The purpose of this paper is to describe a collaboration between independent researchers and an English local authority to develop a framework for understanding and measuring outcomes in children centres.

The project was based on developing a system for collecting quantitative and qualitative data that would reflect the multi-dimensional services delivered by children centres. This was called the Early Intervention Performance Outcomes Framework. It utilised the concept of interim outcomes and in so doing the aim was to create a system that would provide evidence for the difference these services could make to children and their families’ lives. It was also important for the system to enhance and not detract from service capacity in a period of austerity.

The paper reports on the project when it had generated its first year of data. The paper describes the overall success of the project, the on-going challenges it faces and provides some examples of how interim outcomes represented “steps along the way” for children and families.

The innovative collaboration described in this paper provides a positive example of how research methods can enhance both service design and delivery. It will be of interest to both those who work and manage children’s services and those engaged in research.