How to share information
Children, young people and their families need to feel reassured that their confidentiality is respected. In most cases information can only be shared about a person with their consent, but there may be circumstances when this is overridden.
Six key points of information sharing:
- Explain openly and honestly at the outset what information will or should be shared, and why, and seek agreement – except where doing so puts the child or others at risk of significant harm.
- The child’s safety and welfare must be the overriding consideration when making decisions on whether to share information about them.
- Respect the wishes of children or families who do not consent to share confidential information – unless in your judgement there is sufficient need to override that lack of consent.
- Seek advice when in doubt.
- Ensure information is accurate, up-to-date, necessary for the purpose for which you are sharing it, shared only with those who need to see it, and shared accurately.
- Always record the reasons for your decision – whether it is to share or not.
More information is available from the Department for Education.