SHC. 31-44. 43

Confidentiality is a set of rules for keeping certain information secret or private in order to respect people’s rights.

The data protection act is the keeping of records, storing data and passing of information is actually strictly regulated by the Data Protection Act 1998. The act covers both paper based and electronic record. The act is designed to prevent confidential and personal information from being passed on without persons consent. This Act originally applied only to information that was stored on computers, but it has been updated to include any personal information that is stored, whether on paper or electronically.

The freedom of information act gives individuals rights of access to information held by public authorities. You can ask information on anybody. Ensure you are protecting their information to the best of your ability and ensure any information is kept secure. Parents should have the right to see what information you have on their child at any time. You should release information if appropriate.

It is the nursery’s intention to respect the privacy of children and their families. The nursery will do so by storing confidential records in a locked filing cabinet. Ensuring staff are aware that this information is confidential and only for use inside the nursery. Ensuring that parents have access to files and records of their own children but not to those of any other child. Gaining parental permission for any information to be used other than for the above reasons. The staff are aware of the importance of confidentiality and are required to respect it. Any concerns related to a child’s personal safety are kept in a secure confidential file and are shared with as few people as possible on a “needs to know” basis. If however a child is considered at risk our child policy will override confidentiality. Electronics based have secured passwords which few people have. We would require parents’ consent to go on photographs, websites or in learning journeys. The information used for registers, invoices and emergency contacts. Records are stored in a locked cabinet in line with data protection registration.

The potential tension between maintaining an individual’s confidentiality and disclosing concerns. This could cause the break-up of relationships between each other. In the setting it could cause concern for the children and not a very good place for a child to be. It could also cause atmosphere between each other, it could also affect the development.

It is your duty of care to the child for their safety and welfare. If you have any concerns deal with it or take it up with somebody higher. If you are concerned about maintaining confidentiality but still safeguarding the children in your care, take it up with your manager. If you think that a child might be in danger you are doing what’s best for the child, even if you feel you are breaking confidence.

If you have any concerns of a child/young person suspected of committing abuse do not promise to keep a secret ensure you accurately record any conversation on incident form. Share the information with designated person in a confidential