This statistical release provides a range of outcome measures at national and local authority level for children in need (CIN), including children looked after (CLA) by local authorities in England.

The outcome measures cover:

• special educational needs
• educational attainment (Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4) and progress (Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4)
• destinations from school
• absence from school
• suspensions and permanent exclusions from school
• free school meal eligibility
• type of school attended

Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 data is also published at national level for children who were previously looked after who left care through an adoption, special guardianship or child arrangements order (Official Statistics).

Changes to this year's publication include the addition of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 attainment measures and Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 progress measures following a pause due to the pandemic.