National eCAF for Calderdale
Taking the next steps in the
Common Assessment Framework
Catherine Pulle & Paul Caladine
CMBC
What is National eCAF?
• Electronic enablement of the Common
Assessment Framework
• Allows authorised, trained practitioners from
across the workforce to securely access and
update assessment information.
• Allows planning, monitoring and review of
progress by all involved.
• Department of Children, Schools and Families
national solution.
• Provided free to Local Authorities and the
children’s workforce
What are the Benefits?
• Promotes multi-agency working and early
interventions.
• Improved Management Information and monitoring
of ECM outcomes (in compliance with OFSTED
recommendations)
• Borders are no obstacle – 14/15 LA in the region
expect to adopt eCAF (one uncertain).
• Gives new impetus to embedding CAF
• Facilitates a consistent approach across practitioners
(and borders)
• Facilitates effective and efficient delivery of coordinated services.
Benefits continued....
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Creates a holistic view of child’s needs.
Faster than ‘postal’ CAF.
Reduces needs for multiple assessments.
Closely linked with ContactPoint
Increases transparency between agencies
Promotes quality by practitioners.
Security – only those directly involved in the case
can see the details.
• Will always conform to DCSF requirements.
• Free!
Current Position
• The Local Authority has accepted that
National eCAF would be it’s chosen solution.
• It is recognised that buy in and commitment is
required from across the Children’s Workforce
with regard to:
– Training
– IT requirements
– Commitment to CAF
Requested Support & Next Steps
• Asking for commitment from the Children’s Trust
to back this as the solution for the Children’s
Workforce in Calderdale
• Letter of Intent to the DCSF (by end of May 2010).
• National eCAF currently being assessed by Early
Adopters – will deploy only when accepted.
• Project start-up commences aiming to deliver
June 2011 with key user training starting then
and rolled out to the rest of the workforce.
• Stakeholder engagement throughout 2010/11
with all partners engaged with CAF process.
Any Questions?
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Contact details:
– paul.caladine@calderdale.gov.uk
– Catherine.pulle@calderdale.gov.uk