Information about Databases
Research for this project identified that organisations and authorities throughout the West Midland Region have a range of databases, using a variation of categories and definitions. This poses a number of issues and difficulties in gathering, sharing and analysis of information.
It was also found that a number of stand alone databases were being developed in order to provide professionals with the information needed.
Databases require consistent and reliable inputting and recording of data in order to produce accurate and meaningful information. Clarity of definitions is essential at the inputting stage so that meaningful analysis of the information can be carried out.
A range of professionals are required to input data as a part of their role. This can lead to individual interpretation and recording of diagnosis. Additionally where people have more than one disability there can be variation in recording of the primary and secondary diagnosis. This can lead to an under recording of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Behavioural Emotional and Social Difficulties (BESD).
Quarterly and annual reports are submitted to Government Offices by both Connexions and the Learning and Skills Council. These include an identified cohort of young people aged 16-19 years with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. However, it is not possible to identify from this information those young people who have ASD and/or BESD.
This table demonstrates the high number of databases which are held by different organisations and establishments across the West Midland Region. In addition there are a number of standalone databases which have been set up.
Fig. 4
| Organisations / Establishments | Number of Organisations / Establishments in West Midlands Region | Examples of Databases Used by these Organisations / Establishments |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | Every School in Region Thousands !!?? | Pupil Level Annual School Census (PLASC) Education Management System (EMS) School census |
| Childrens Services (Social Care and Education) | 14 | SEN Registers Children with Disabilities Register Local Authority Client Record Systems (e.g. Frameworki, Care First, CISS, PARIS, SWIFT, Capita One |
| Connexions | 7 | Aspire, Profile, InSight |
| Learning and Skills Council | 1 | National Data Set |
| Colleges | Every College in Region Hundreds !!?? | Individual Learner Record |
| Adult Social Care Services | 14 | Local Authority Client Record Systems (e.g. Frameworki, Care First, CISS, PARIS, SWIFT, CLIX) Disability Register, Aids and Adaptations Register, |
| Health Services | 17 PCT’s (Community Teams) GP Practices 100’s !!?? | NCRS, IPM (Individual Performance Management), PAS, CHIPS |