nd: Small numbers An average-sized LA might be working with 2,000 children across its CSC system at any one time. The cohort attracting most attention within that wider group is the cohort of children looked after (CLA) by the LA, which might total 300 children or fewer. “Big data” techniques are rarely appropriate in this context; even simple forecasting or demographic analysis must account for the small numbers involved. National data often suppresses small values, resulting in incomplete comparator datasets. Complex systems The legal and operational frameworks for delivering CSC are complicated and inter- related, and the data landscape is complex. As an analyst you must take care to properly represent, and properly interpret, within this context. You must also be aware of how data structures and recording expectations impact the data available for analysis. Learning what each data item represents in the real world, and which aspects of practice are not represented in the data, will improve your analysis work. Duty of care Rather than pursuing profit, we analyse CSC data to make complex services better, and to help organisations use limited resources effectively, helping leaders balance optimal and acceptable performance across different areas. Alongside this, though, the safety of the children we help is always paramount, and the local budgetary context can change rapidly in the wake of emerging issues or external criticism. 3,402 social care providers 39 Further education colleges with res accom 2 Secure training centres 60 Boarding schools 126 Residenti al special schools 18 Residential holiday schemes for disabled children 2,706 Children’s homes (all types) 317 Independ ent fostering agencies 59 Resi. family centres 38 Adoption support agencies 37 Voluntary adopt