Background
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The Department for Education (DfE) view children and their welfare as their number one priority with their purpose being to '...make this the best place in the world for children and young people to grow up.' Their initiatives focus on children's health, happiness, safety, education and social growth.
Tellus is a national survey conducted over a set period to gather children and young people’s views on their life, school and local area. Endorsed by Rt. Hon Beverley Hughes MP, Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families, the survey is aimed at children in years 6, 8 and 10. It addresses issues such as bullying, drugs, home and learning issues.
The Project
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RM Data Solutions is the technology partner delivering the 2009 fourth annual Tellus online survey funded by the DfE. The innovative approach to this survey will ensure it is the most successful yet. The survey will feature many technology advancements such as advanced accessibility and a web-based data analysis tool, allowing users to gain further insight into the data submitted. The survey is set to be released in October 2009 and will run for a period of six weeks, during which time children in the nominated age groups will complete the survey in schools.
Data Collection and Dissemination
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A robust time series of data is provided through the Tellus survey portal that can be used to measure performance against specified DfE owned, national and PSA indicators. The survey consists of 30-40 standard questions, 2 questions set by the school’s Local Authority, and 2 questions that can be set by the school. This increases the level of relevant data as it pertains to different geographical areas and community situations.
Secure access will be provided to Local Authorities, where they will be provided with status/management reports part way through the survey to allow for follow up, ensuring the maximum level of participation.
Local Authorities can also access analysis reports. These reports will allow Local Authorities to compare their school’s responses against the national response, and against responses in other Local Authorities. All data is anonymised with identifiable information such as names not being collected.
Innovative Technology
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The use of British Sign Language video, symbol and audio formats will increase usability by catering to children with special education needs. This means children with special education needs such as vision and hearing impairments and other learning difficulties will be able to take part in the survey. RM has worked closely with a special education needs consultancy firm in England to ensure the optimum level of accessibility is reached.
The application was built using SQL Server 2005, .net 3.5, Microsoft Reporting Services, XHTML and AJAX. This has afforded RM the level of flexibility required to create an application that is accessible, intuitive and user friendly.
The Benefits
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By increasing the number of participants through advanced usability, increased awareness and a scheduled follow up process, a greater data set is able to be obtained. This means that children who had previously been excluded can now be measured and their progress and living standards assessed. This is an important step in the campaign towards a higher level of health, happiness, safety, education and social growth for children in England.
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