Research suggests proceeding
Our research suggests that having some form of data standardisation would be welcomed by the sector.
The benefits identified during user research in both discovery and alpha included:
- easier to review plans across different LA areas for integrated care boards and education, such as specialist schools
- easier for children, young people, parents and carers to review plans (moving across area or with children or young people with provisions delivered by different areas)
- easier to transfer cohorts of children at transition stages
- easier to transfer individual plans and associated data when they move area
The people we spoke to also raised the need to consider that, whilst using digital systems and bringing consistency to the EHCP process in line with statutory duties and reporting responsibilities has its benefits, there is still a need for flexibility to allow areas to deliver to their local needs and resources.
Positioning the standard
The second version of our prototype will test the idea of moving forward with data standard and digital system requirements.
In this version, we are presenting LAs with content and tools which are more like steps to follow. This will test views on DfE introducing a data standard, minimum digital requirements for EHCP systems and the process for the application, plan and reviews.
We will use the prototype to find out through user research what LAs need from DfE to deliver it.
Minimum requirements
We want to test the theory that we will need to have a set of minimum data standards and digital requirements. Local authorities are at different stages of development and, whilst we want to create consistency, we also need to allow for innovation and continuous improvement.
Tools and support to include
We have already tested the idea of a data standard and digital requirements and guidance to support local authorities to use digital systems for their EHCP service.
Some of the other items identified during research that could support local authorities included a way to:
- check their requirements
- connect with other local authorities
- learn from others
- get templates and workflows
- get guidance on information sharing arrangements and agreements
- standardise documentation and training material
- manage transfers
- compare supplier offers
Changes to the prototype
For the next iteration, we have included starting points for:
- assessing your requirements against the standards
- an online community that LAs can sign up to so they can contribute to the manual, standards, requirements, guidance and talk to each other
- a tool to manage transfers for compliant LAs
- a way to compare supplier offers – against the standard and requirements
We want to test how people react to DfE providing these to meet the commitments to digitise EHC processes and standardise plans, as set out in the SEND and alternative provision improvement plan.
Next steps
We will look to test this next iteration in beta, and we will also look to develop the standards, requirements and templates to test alongside the other support options.
The other support tools and options will need to be refined during beta, but our recommendations at the end of alpha will be to continue to develop a manual that looks to standardise and set requirements for digital EHCP services delivered locally.