Metadata

General description

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. Some children are also looked after because the local authority provides accommodation for respite purposes - the figures in this table exclude these children.

Data collection and 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.

Frequency of publication

Annual

Data reference periods

Data are shown at 31 March for each year.

Users, uses and context

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 *.

Revisions information

Data for 2017 to 2023 were revised on 28 January 2025.