TDA 2.3-4.1- Identify relevant legal requirements and procedures covering confidentiality, data protection and the disclosure of information.
As a teaching assistant all information must be treated confidentiality as stated in the ‘Data Protection Act 1998’, any information must be stored as stated in the act and all members of staff must be familiar with this and follow the guidelines. In my role I ensure that no information that no information is passed on to any third parties and always checking with a teacher or other members of staff if I am unsure. If a parent gives me information about a child I ensure this is recorded correctly eg. in letter or note, or student record and following school policies and passed on the relevant members of staff.
Schools ask parents for a range of information so that we are able to care for children effectively as we can, however we can only ask for information that is directly relevant such as health or medical information, records from previous schools or SEN records. All information is confidential and must only be used for the purpose in which it was gathered. If under special circumstances the information is to be passed onto others then the parents consent must be given.
Respecting confidentiality is very important when working in a school setting. There is certain information that has to be gathered in order to work effectively. This information includes
Names, contact details
Medical information
Allergies/dietary needs
Academic abilities
SEN
Assessment results/observation records To disclose this information is a breach of confidentiality. It should only be passed on, on a need to know basis, for example if its information about a child’s health then all staff members should have that information, with parental consent.
TDA 2.3-4.2 Describe the importance of reassuring children, young