The Needs of Pupils

• The policy is tailored to the age, emotional maturity, cultural and social needs of the students.
• The policy is supported by the formal and informal learning that takes place in the school. Learning opportunities are in place to develop the skills and confidence of students to identify situations where they may need support or advice and possible ways to access it.
• Students have a right to privacy and mutual respect.
• Statement to explain how students are made aware of the policy and procedures. How does the school involve students in developing the policy and procedures?

School Staff

• All staff working in the school are made aware of the policy and procedures. Does the school involve all staff in discussion about the policy?
• All staff working in the school have personal information on Barnsley Safeguarding Children Board Child Protection Procedures?
• Name of the school child protection co-ordinator.
• Any concerns about child protection issues must be reported to the child protection co-ordinator.
• Statement explaining that staff should never give an absolute guarantee of confidentiality to a student.
• All staff should have a copy of the policy.

There are no statutory requirements for schools around issues of confidentiality and as such no statutory requirement to always inform parents/guardians. Clear guidance will have to be given here about what the school expects staff to do in given situations. It is suggested that you keep directions about reporting to parents as flexible as possible.

• Who has access to information about a student - who needs to know in the school?
• How will the school ensure that the appropriate people have information?
• Statement explaining that staff should ask other colleagues for support and advice. Staff should not be left in a situation of having a difficult issues to deal with alone.
• Staff should feel confident that they will be supported by the Headteacher & Governing Body.

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