Explain the Importance of Reassuring Children, Young People and Adults of the Confidentiality of Shared Information and the Limits of This.
Explain the importance of reassuring children, young people and adults of the confidentiality of shared information and the limits of this.
It is important to reassure children, young people and adults that any information about them is kept confidential and only used where and when necessary and only for the duration required in order to maintain their trust and security. It is their right to privacy to have this information kept confidential and not passed on for others to talk about or gossip. As a member of teaching staff it is important not to violate their trust or put them at risk of harm by divulging personal information. Children and young people need to be able to know that their information will be kept confidential and they won’t be put at risk of teasing or bullying by other pupils. Adults need to feel secure in the knowledge that they or their children will not be the topic of playground gossip by other parents and that their home details will be safe from others. Parents should be reassured that the school is providing correct care and support for them and their children.
There may come a time when you will need to let others know your obligations with regard to confidentiality and the sharing of information you have gathered regarding a child or young adult. In most cases parental consent is necessary in order to share the information with other professional bodies, however, the school has a legal obligation to disclose information if there is any indication of the child or young adult being at risk.
If this is the case then you should be open and honest from the outset in all discussions with the child or young adult, or their family where appropriate, about why, what, how and with whom the information will or could be shared. Their agreement for the information to be shared should be sought unless it is unsafe or inappropriate to do so. If you are in any doubt you should seek advice from senior staff if appropriate and where possible
It is important to reassure children, young people and adults that any information about them is kept confidential and only used where and when necessary and only for the duration required in order to maintain their trust and security. It is their right to privacy to have this information kept confidential and not passed on for others to talk about or gossip. As a member of teaching staff it is important not to violate their trust or put them at risk of harm by divulging personal information. Children and young people need to be able to know that their information will be kept confidential and they won’t be put at risk of teasing or bullying by other pupils. Adults need to feel secure in the knowledge that they or their children will not be the topic of playground gossip by other parents and that their home details will be safe from others. Parents should be reassured that the school is providing correct care and support for them and their children.
There may come a time when you will need to let others know your obligations with regard to confidentiality and the sharing of information you have gathered regarding a child or young adult. In most cases parental consent is necessary in order to share the information with other professional bodies, however, the school has a legal obligation to disclose information if there is any indication of the child or young adult being at risk.
If this is the case then you should be open and honest from the outset in all discussions with the child or young adult, or their family where appropriate, about why, what, how and with whom the information will or could be shared. Their agreement for the information to be shared should be sought unless it is unsafe or inappropriate to do so. If you are in any doubt you should seek advice from senior staff if appropriate and where possible