Unit 301 Communication and professionall relationships with children young people and adults.

Unit 301Communication and professional relationships with children, young people and adults
Assignment 2
Introduction
In this section I will outline the importance of confidentiality, the policies and procedures surrounding confidentiality, the Data Protection Act 1998 and why it can sometimes be necessary to break confidentiality.
Assessment Criteria 3.2 – Explain the importance of reassuring children, young people and adults of the confidentiality of shared information and the limits of this.
It is important that any party feels secure and safe within school and with the adults that are looking after them. 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 safety. 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 school 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 will not 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.
Confidentiality of information relating to individuals is covered by The Data Protection Act 1998. In addition to this, schools will have their own policies and procedures in relation to reporting and sharing sensitive data i.e. personal details, child protection issues etc.
Assessment Criteria 3.3 – Describe the kinds of situations when confidentiality must be breached and why.
Any person within school who has concerns about a child, or believes to be suffering, or is at risk of suffering significant harm should seriously consider whether to share this information with the objective of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child.
For instance if a child comes to you and asks to speak to you in private about a situation that has happened at home i.e. inappropriate sexual behaviour toward them by an adult or physical abuse. It is important therefore that you explain to the individual that you are unable to keep a secret, and why, in appropriate language to their age. It may be necessary to seek permission from their parent/caregiver, unless this is likely to put them at higher risk.
Every Child Matters (England 2003)/Help children Achieve More initiative came in to effect following the tragic case of Victoria Climbie. Up to her death many authorities and care givers had noted concerns but not communicated with each other. If they had her death would not have occurred. This is why it is important to share information if the child, young person is at significant risk.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, confidentiality, and the policies surrounding this (Data Protection act, Every Child Matters etc), are of utmost important within a school. It is vital that all parties that are or could be effected know there rights and feel safe and secure within its protocols. Communication plays a huge part in relaying all of this information, especially when there is a need to breach confidentiality.
Sources of reference: Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools (Primary) – Louise Burnham and Brenda Baker; SmartScreen.