Schools, early years and childcare

Underlying principles

Medway Family Information Service acknowledges that information relating to children is sensitive and needs to be handled carefully.

It is committed to respecting the confidentiality of service users and childcare providers (particularly childminders).

Service users and providers have the right to decide what information they choose to share with the service. They also have the right to know what information is held about them and the right to change this information if they believe it to be inaccurate.

Commitment

Medway Family Information Service staff will not divulge any personal details of service users or personnel involved in the service to outside parties without their prior permission except in the circumstances outlined below.

The confidentiality of service users or personnel will only be breached if any information received by the Family Information Service gives rise to concern for the safety or well being of a child. When such situations arise the Family Information Service will:

• explain its role and that of the Child Protection Team,
• explain that the information must be passed on for investigation,
• negotiate whether the person is willing to be identified and contacted directly by the appropriate authority or whether they wish to remain anonymous,
• record details of the information given and contact the necessary personnel immediately.

Medway Family Information Service will comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Freedom of Information Act 2000 where appropriate.

Implementation

Medway Family Information Service will ensure that all staff are aware of, agree with and adhere to the confidentiality policy. This includes both staff employed directly by the Family Information Service and any others who operate on its behalf or represent it in any way.

Procedures for the collection and maintenance of information about providers and for enquiry logging will incorporate the requirements of this policy.

Unauthorised access to data about individuals will be prevented by a password system for the database and secure storage of paper records.

Breaches of confidentiality will be treated as a serious matter and are addressed in the staff handbook.

^ (back to top)