Figures and Facts : Local authority variance on indicators concerning child protection and children looked after

Why do local authorities vary so much in their indicators on child protection and children looked after? How much can variations be explained by the effects of socio-economic deprivation? Do high and low scoring authorities differ in their approach to delivering services, or do they vary in the way information is collected and recorded? With the introduction of a Performance Assessment Framework and the requirement to demonstrate 'best value' in the provision of services, increasing attention is being paid to how local authorities score on a range of indicators and targets for children's services. This report takes another look at the national statistics and explores with local authority officers what might lie behind their very different figures.