· Matters regarding either the children or their families must not be discussed with any person other than staff members and then only when necessary.
· Matters regarding specific children should only be disclosed to or discussed with the respective child’s parents. No information should be disclosed to carers, other relatives or other parents without permission from the parents. In the case of carers the day to day welfare of the child may be discussed if necessary but no personal family details should be included.
· Information related to the Early Years Foundation Stage may be shared with childminders, other settings and outside agencies only if written permission has been given.
· All written records are confidential and may only be seen by staff and the parents of the child unless permission has been given by the parents. All written records must be made available to parents on request.
· No information from records, including addresses and telephone numbers, may be given out without the permission of the relevant parents and either the Kindergarten Head or the Deputy Head.
· Any enquiries about a child made by a third party either in person, in writing or by telephone should be directed to the Kindergarten Head or the Deputy Head.
· If a parent or carer discloses confidential information it should not be discussed with anyone else without the permission of the parent unless the child is ‘at risk’ in any way. In this case the Kindergarten Head or Deputy Head must be informed first.
· If a parent or carer starts to disclose information that you know or think you will not be able to keep confidential (e.g. abuse), you should tell the parent/carer immediately that you cannot keep this confidence should they continue with the disclosure.
· If you feel uncomfortable about information being disclosed to you by a parent, carer or any third party suggest they talk to a more senior member of staff.
· Information given by children should also be treated as confidential and only discussed if there is reason to believe the child is ‘at risk’ in any way.
· Any information on abuse of any kind must be reported immediately to the Kindergarten Head or the Deputy Head before any further action is taken.
· Do not repeat or act on ‘here say’ information without thorough investigation.
· If a child is injured in any way by another child the injured child’s parents should not be told specifically who was responsible. It is sufficient to give details of the injury and treatment and to say that the matter has been or is being dealt with. The matter will of course be entered into the Accident book and Incident book and the appropriate procedures followed.