Evaluation is about assessing whether your service has lived up to itsgoals. It helps celebrate achievements and find ways to improve. Aschildren's centres and extended schools develop, this kind ofinformation is crucial.
1. Think about evaluation right at the start. Even when money is tight,it's a mistake to push it to one side. You must budget for evaluationand measuring results should be an integral part of a project's design.If you're using an external evaluator then put the work out to tender atthe start of a financial year to give contractors time to do a thoroughjob.
2. You'll need to collect quantitative data such as who uses a serviceand when. But don't neglect qualitative data, which shows how your workaffects individual children and families. It tells the story. Whenevaluating services in extended schools or children's centres, thinkabout their impact on children and families, working betweenprofessionals and organisations, and on existing local services.
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
