Schools need to include information about this scheme on their website and include the information in their safeguarding policy, prospectus and new starter packs.
Informing parents
Schools should also send a letter to parents about the scheme. Below is an example letter that you can adapt for your school:
Information Sharing - Legal requirements
Section 11(2) of the Children’s Act, 2004, requires Local Authorities and the police to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children. This enactment provides the conditions required under the Data Protection Act 2018 by which personal and sensitive personal data may be lawfully shared.
Personal data shared must be proportionate, necessary but not excessive, and must be balanced with the consideration of privacy rights under the Human Rights Act. It must take into account any duty of confidentiality owed. A public interest in disclosure must outweigh an individual's right to privacy.
It is recognised that the handling of confidential and sensitive information needs to be dealt with in a way that is proportionate and appropriate to the needs of the child or young person and family. To address this, staff receiving the information must have responsibility or oversight of safeguarding within the school. A notification must be stored securely in the school's child protection filing system, as per school safeguarding procedure.