The purpose of this guidance is to try and remove some of the uncertainty and inconsistency about issues of confidentiality that may exist within a school.

Acting in the best interests of the student population of the school.

1. All staff working with young people should clearly understand that their main priority has to always be work in the best interests of the students.

2. In the vast majority of cases "working in the best interests of the students" will involve a joint partnership with parents/guardians. However, schools should not give an absolute guarantee to disclose all information to parents/guardians.

3. Parents/guardians need to understand school policies & procedures around confidentiality. The school has to be very clear about its legal and professional responsibilites towards its students.

4. Students need to know who they can go to for advice and support. The policy and procedures around confidentiality should be made clear to students. The policy and procedures that are put in place should give confidence to all students that they will be treated with respect. Students must be made aware of the limits of confidentiality that exist in the school. The school should do everything possible to ensure that all students understand the reasons for the limits to confidentiality.

5. Governors have a key role to play in making sure that policy and procedures are in place that protect the interests of students.

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