Children's Social Care Private Dashboard Early Adopters Scheme: Pilot CMS API

The Department is launching an early adopter pilot scheme as part of its work to modernise Children’s Social Care (CSC) data collections. The goal is to address longstanding inefficiencies in existing annual data collection processes by assessing the feasibility, scalability, and value of the department's newly developed application programming interface (API). The pilot will test automated data ingestion, working collaboratively with a sample of local authorities (LAs) and case management system (CMS) suppliers to allow for more timely data access, and analysis.

Data will flow into a private access version of the CSC dashboard, facilitating measurement of children’s social care outcomes.

Key objectives include:

1. Assessing the burden and cost implications for LAs and DfE when implementing more timely data flows.

2. Evaluating the accuracy of data extracted through the API.

3. Determining the scalability of the solution for potential implementation across all LAs.

The Department have identified two CMS suppliers who will initially support the delivery of the early adopter scheme.

This initiative supports the CSC reform agenda and the Keeping Children Safe Mission by addressing critical data gaps, enabling faster benchmarking of National Framework indicators, and improving access to timely, evidence-based insights.