Common Basic Data Set (CBDS) database

With the increasing number of collections and transfer files using the CBDS family, the DCSF undertook a root-and-branch review of the datasets in September 2009:

The CBDS database (January 2010) is a spreadsheet providing efficient access to:

all levels
all modules
all data items
all codesets.

All specifications for collections should be read in conjunction with this CBDS.

Background to data standards

The new CBDS makes use of filters and hyperlinks to enable navigation. The filters also make it possible to view extracts of the CBDS for use in specific collections and transfer files.

This single database obviates the need for separate data-definition extracts for each specific data collection. It should also ease transition to a planned new Education, Skills and Children's Services (ESCS) metadata repository.

All changes to the CBDS will be made within the one database file, using the new CBDS change control process.

There will be no need for previous CBDS versions (these have been archived in the 08 Archive section). Links to previous years' collections and transfer files will also be found within the one database file.

It is planned that much of this information will be moved to a new metadata repository, eliminating file-size effects when downloading.

Please email any comments or enquiries about this page or its contents to the IMS mailbox.

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