School Staff

6. School staff need to understand that they should never give a complete assurance of confidentiality to a student.

7. School staff must work within the agreed confidentiality policy and procedures developed by the school.

8. Depending on the issuethe member of staff should encourage the student to involve parents/guardians if appropriate. There is no legal reqiurement for the school to inform or involve parents/guardians.

9. If a member of staff has concerns about the health and welfare of a student she/he would be advised to seek support from a senior colleague. The staff member must explain to the student why she/he needs to seek further support.

10. If there are child protection issues the member of staff must inform the Child Protection Co-ordinator or a senior colleague. The member of staff must explain to the student why she/he needs to inform other people to gain support for her/him.

Note: whilst the Working Together to Safeguard Children Guidance (2006) refers to the need to discuss cases of under 13 sexual activity with the Child Protection Coordinator, this does not mean that a referral will automatically be made to social services. It also does not mean that the school will automatically contact parents/guardians. If a professional from an outside agency identifies under 13 sexual activity they can discuss the case with the child protection lead within their own organisation.

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