Data Proctection for Cypop5

Data Protection and Confidentiality in the Home based childcare setting

By law I am bound to adhere to the Data Protection act of 1998. Every Child and their families have a legal right to privacy; the act is designed to prevent confidential and personal information being passed on without the persons consent. This includes information held on my computer, the paperwork I hold on each child and photographs of the children in the childcare setting.
It is crucial that I adhere to this act in all cases. This includes and not limited to : * The information I hold on each child’s personal record * Information I am told by parents * Information held on forms such as the accident book * Information about the child or family I am given by the school * Information I am told by the child * Photographs of the children in my care (without prior consent)
I will not discuss the child or the family to any other parent or child-minder (either in a playgroup setting or handing over to a new child-minder/ carer) this includes things such as behaviour, education, routines, religious beliefs etc….. I will only discuss the child and any information I have on them with the parent or guardian and the child. I will also not discuss the child with any professional ie (Teacher, speech therapist etc… ) without written permission from the parents unless I feel there are safeguarding issues where by telling the parent might jeopardise the safety of the child. Ie in instances of abuse and this information will only be discussed with the appropriate professional bodies such as the LSCB.
If I break the data protection act I understand that this is punishable by la and can result in a very hefty fine from the ICO. As I intend to take photographs of the children in my care and or hold information on my computer I will be registering with the ICO as soon as necessary. I will ensure that the information I hold on my computer is password protected and that the paperwork I hold is kept safe and locked away at all times. I will also ensure that I will discuss with parents and reach an agreement with them about how and when I discuss their child and what information they are comfortable with me sharing.

Data Protection Policy

I am Registered as a Data Controller under the Data Protection Act 1998. I have undertaken relevant training including the sharing of information.
Personal information about families, including children’s files, is stored in a lockable room in the house stored away from view. All electronically stored information and data is password protected using strong passwords and where possible the device storing this information will also be locked away when not in use. Firewalls and Virus protection is also kept up to date.
It is crucial that I adhere to this act in all cases. This includes and not limited to : * The information I hold on each child’s personal record * Information I am told by parents * Information held on forms such as registration forms, accident books etc.. * Information about the child or family I am given by the school * Information I am told by the child * Photographs of the children in my care (without prior consent)
Parents can view the information I hold about them and their child by appointment at a mutually convenient time. Parents may request in writing a copy of their child’s records. A fee is chargeable in respect of administration.
I am required by law to keep some information about your child for up to a maximum of 21 years. This includes information about accidents, incidents and attendance records. Financial information is kept for up to 7 years. Daily diaries, development and observation records are kept for 4 years after the child have left the childcare setting.
Documents are disposed of appropriately using a document shredder. Data stored electronically is deleted as securely as possible. Extra care is taken with the disposal of devices which store electronic information as it can sometimes be recovered.