e study analysis in six of the ten local areas selected for the FFCP implementation. These case studies included depth interviews and focus groups with senior staff and frontline delivery teams, a structured questionnaire (proforma) circulated to key delivery team stakeholders and interviews with families working with Social Care teams. Fieldwork took place between March 2024 and February 2025. 2 Wave 1 case study local areas: Dorset, Wolverhampton and Lincolnshire 3 Wave 2 case study local areas: Lewisham, Wirral and Warwickshire 7 Early perceptions, understanding and buy-in to the FFCP Strategic leads in case study local areas found the FFCP approach aligned with the existing strategic direction for local Children’s Social Care (CSC). There was strong buy- in to the aims and ambitions of FFCP across Waves 1 and 2, especially among Education partners. However, at this stage the research also reflected some reservations around the programme amongst delivery teams, specifically in partner agencies, Health, Education and the Police. While they were largely positive about the intent of the programme, there were some concerns, specifically around increased workload and team capacity, and holding risk for alternatively qualified staff4. Health and Education stakeholders highlighted the complexity of securing buy-in across the different practice settings. Buy-in differed across schools and was largely driven by the level of engagement from headteachers. The broad range of health settings were also noted as a potential challenge to securing consistent buy-in across levels. FFCP set-up and delivery progress The IPE identified that while there were some local variations in the implementation approach adopted by the case study areas, there was overall alignment with the Design Sp