Children looked after on short breaks during the year by need for care

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Data description

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Next update expected:December 2026

Updates

16th July 2026

This dataset has been updated to include data for 2024-25.

30th January 2026
Dataset first published.

Main information

Designation
Official statistics in development
Data provider
Welsh Government
Data source
Looked After Children Census
Time period covered
April 2002 to March 2025
Dataset ID
58c88814-d5f7-46aa-98b6-07118d8872e4

Overview

Summary of dataset and variables

From 2016-17, looked after children data is now collected during the year through the Looked after children Census. This has replaced the existing datasets Looked After Children (SSDA903), Adoptions of looked after children (AD1), Educational qualifications of care leavers (OC1) and Care leavers on their 19th birthday (OC3).

This table presents figures about children looked after by Welsh local authorities. Children looked after include those on care orders and other children provided with accommodation by their local authority. Children under respite care normally live at home, but are accommodated by a local authority in a pattern of short periods of care in order to give their parents (or guardians) some respite from the normal duties of looking after a child.

Data collection or calculation

Anonymised individual child level data is extracted from local authority administrative systems and returned electronically to the Data Collection team within the Welsh Government using an online secure data transfer system called 'Objective Connect'. Welsh Government analysts then apply an extensive series of validation checks to ensure that the information provided uses the correct codes and is internally consistent.

Statistical quality

Please find this information in the related statistical publication, as per the given weblink.

Rounding applied

The following measures have been taken to minimise the risk of unwanted disclosure of personal data: All figures have been rounded to the nearest five. Where there are less than five children in any group, the actual number has been suppressed, and replaced by the symbol "c".

Related reports

Published by

Organisation
Welsh Government
Contact email
stats.pss@gov.wales