For commissioners, finding the most effective means of gathering data, engaging children, young people and families and analysing the data are key elements in establishing the real picture of need within a Children’s Trust.

Understanding the range of needs of children and young people across a Children’s Trust is essential, so that services can be planned and commissioned around their needs.

Needs assessment

Needs assessment is the basis for deciding on the local priorities and actions that will help to improve outcomes for children, young people and their families. It is a way of measuring the nature and extent of the need, so that services can be planned accordingly. In other words, the planning approach is outcomes-led and needs-driven.

Gathering data

Children’s Trusts already collect, or have access to, a range of data and intelligence on health, crime, social deprivation and other indices. It may also have a picture of how patterns of need map onto the geography – and thus where services for different groups of children and young people are needed most.

Data Sources for Commissioners for Children, Young People and Maternity Services is a helpful shortcut to a variety of data.

Helpful tips on using data in school place planning can be found in Learning from Experience – Schools commissioning by local authorities.

Consultation

Understanding needs isn’t all about data. Children's Trusts should consult children and young people to understand what issues are important to them and to listen to their perspective on the services that affect them. Their views should be at the heart of any needs assessment. Attitudes in this age group are diverse, and the Building a Culture of Participation handbook may help explore the full range of their views.

Making the most of data

Whilst data is a vital part of needs assessment, it is the analysis of the data which provides the understanding required to plan appropriate service responses. Data analysis techniques used in the commercial sector to understand consumers’ needs and preferences may help you make sense of the data you have. You can find more information in Effective practice in commissioning in children's services.