CLA Overview

If you're a virtual school head or simply using the CLA analysis in Nexus, then use this document as your starting point for any questions you might have. (You can also see this short video)

If you can't find the information you need, please contact our support team who would be happy to answer any question you have.

Use of CLA analysis in Nexus is subject to limitations of use set out by DfE. Details are set out in the briefing note below.

To set up a Nexus user with access to CLA analysis, see the article CLA Permissions & Security.

Limitations regarding use of CLA Analyses

NCER Member briefing on the strict limitations regarding the use of the National Pupil Database and NCER CLA Analyses (DfE)

The DfE have imposed strict usage limitations for the usage of National Pupil Database and CLA data in Nexus. These limitations are imposed on all local authorities due to the early visibility of aggregated national data (ahead of the DfE CLA outcomes statistical publication in March 2022).

NCER specify that all 152 local authorities who are part of the NCER CLA data project must read and comply with these restrictions. Failure to do this may result in the DfE withdrawing access to DfE data and data in future years.

All Local Authorities must read and abide by the Terms and Conditions for use of Nexus

Nexus CLA Pages for Virtual Heads

There are two areas of Nexus from which you can get analysis on your local authority's virtual school, Nova and Insight.

There are differences and similarities that you should be aware of as you might find that you are seeing different values for what otherwise seem like the same measure.

• Nova works off live data so as soon as the data is imported into Nexus, it will be represented in Nova reports. Nova offers you the ability to switch between CLA pupils who have been looked after for 12 months or more, or include those that are CLA 12 months and those that are not. You can also report on the current CLA cohort
  See the article CLA Nova Reports Overview for more information.
• Insight works off cached data. This means that you may have to wait until the following day to see imported data represented in Insight. Insight will only ever include those pupils who are CLA 12 months, so if you want to be using the same cohort, choose CLA 12 Months 'Yes' when running Nova reports.
  Guidance on using Insight can be found in Insight CLA Overview. 

Nexus Forum for Virtual Heads

The Nexus forum has its own board dedicated to Virtual Heads and others involved with looked after children for discussions on current events, talking points, changes in policy, best practice, help, guidance, cross-boundary working - anything you'd like to discuss with your virtual school colleagues across the country.  To access the forum, see the article CLA in the Nexus Forum.