Tda 2.8

Adults working with children have a duty to keep up to date with current legislation covering confidentiality and sharing information as it is important to recognise the uniqueness of each child and have respect for their human rights.
It is important schools have an established procedure for dealing with confidentiality, which is understood by pupils, staff, parents, carers and visitors rather than develop ad hoc arrangements in response to a crisis. The procedures need to be consistent and protect the interests of both pupils and staff. Having a policy will help to ensure there is a shared understanding of how confidentiality operates in your school community.
Information sharing and confidentiality is a key element of Every Child Matters (2003) based on the Children Act 2004 to improve outcomes for children. This guidance complements and supports wider policies to improve information sharing across children's services and sets out how organisations and individuals should work together to safeguard children.
Every Child Matters came into being after the tragic case of Victoria Climbie, when there was no communication between health and social workers.
In schools parents and carers are asked for a variety of information to ensure that the children are cared for as effectively as when they are cared for at home. This includes such information as Names, contact details and addresses, medical information, dietary needs, family changes and special educational needs. To give out any of this information is a breach of confidentially. It should only be passed on, on a need to know basis.
However only information that is   directly relevant can be asked for such as health or medical information , records from previous schools or records for children who have special educational needs. This kind of information is classed as confidential and should only be shared with people who have a right to have it, for example, the class teacher or an external agency.
This...