The purpose of this task is to set up a new framework for collecting good quality institutional comparative data on public services, using child care and other core public services as pilot studies. In an ealier milestone (MS96), two broad public services were selected for this pilot project: early childhood education and care (ECEC) and primary and secondary education. Data templates (‘questionnaires’) were developed for both ECEC and for primary and secondary education. Using the concept of ‘data template’ rather than questionnaire represents the notion that much value can be created to the research community by setting up a common template to which (a) existing data can be harmonised and (b) new data can be collected. This allows for making cost-effective use of national experts and creates synergies between the current pilot and existing data indicators.