IDeA, which advises and supports local government, established theNational Outcomes and Impact Network earlier this year. It willofficially launch this autumn but 50 councils have already signed upalong with three voluntary organisations.
Jacky Tiotto, IDeA's senior national adviser on children services, saidthe aim was to move away from "bean-counting" to assessing services onwhether they really make a difference.
"We're trying to support local authorities and their partners in tryingto describe what they do that makes a difference and how they can sharethat," she said.
The idea was to turn evaluation on its head, she added, by starting withthe needs of local communities and working out what help was neededbefore setting goals. This approach may have prevented situations likethe controversy over the national evaluation of Sure Start, believesTiotto. Many people argued that the targets set for Sure Start did notreflect the way it should operate (Children Now, 4-10 January). And thisled to it being judged as having failed in some respects.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
