 staff11 and a small sample of families currently working with social care teams. Fig. 2 below summarises the qualitative research methodology and sample. 7 Wave 1 case study local areas: Dorset, Wolverhampton and Lincolnshire 8 Wave 2 case study local areas: Lewisham, Wirral and Warwickshire 9 Roles such as Director of Children’s Social Care, DCI Public Protection, Director of Education Services 10 Roles such as Safeguarding Partner for Health, Corporate Director for Quality Assurance 11 Roles such as Team Manager, Early Help Consultant, Education Progress Coordinator, Social Worker 18 Table 1: Qualitative research methodology and sample Research Phase Case Study Group Stakeholder Group Research Method Sample size Phase 1: February 2024 Wave 1 case study local areas Strategic stakeholders One-hour online Depth Interviews 22 Operational leads / Frontline staff One-hour online Depth interviews and Focus Groups 19 Phase 2: November 2024 Wave 1 case study local areas Operational leads / Frontline staff One-hour online Focus Groups 12 Families working with Social Care teams One-hour in- person/online Depth Interviews 4 Wave 2 case study local areas Strategic stakeholders One-hour online Depth Interviews 16 Phase 3: February 2025 Wave 1 and 2 case study local areas Strategic stakeholders One-hour online Depth Interviews 22 Operational leads / Frontline staff One-hour online Depth Interviews and Focus Groups 24 Families working with Social Care teams One-hour in- person/online Depth Interviews 6 All stakeholders and delivery staff were recruited via a designated point of contact, supplied by the DfE after consent was received, within each local area. The Verian team then briefed these designated contacts about the research and the profile of stakeholders to be interviewed. In