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POLICY INFORMATION

Links to: Safeguarding Policy Handbook, Whistleblowing Policy, Data Protection Policy , Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, Biting, Code of Conduct, Transfer of child protection records or welfare concerns

At Paint Pots, we are committed to ensuring that all children, families, and staff feel safe, respected, and valued. We understand that confidentiality is essential in building trust, supporting families, and maintaining a professional environment. This policy sets out how we will handle sensitive and confidential information within our setting.

It ensures that sensitive information about children, families, and staff is protected, shared only when necessary, and handled in compliance with legal and safeguarding requirements.

Staff Expectations

To uphold confidentiality at all times, we will:

• Confidentiality is a professional obligation. Staff who discuss a child or family outside the appropriate professional context may be suspended without pay and subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. This includes sharing information with ex-employees.
• Information may only be discussed as needed for:
• Curriculum planning
• Safeguarding
• Nursery management
• Any staff discussions about children must be conducted respectfully and in private.
• Ensure that parents/carers can access records relating to their own child only.
• Require that children’s abilities, behaviours, or needs are only discussed with the child’s parents or involved professionals, unless safeguarding concerns apply.
• Comply fully with the Data Protection Act 2018, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018, and guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
• Store any safeguarding concerns or evidence in a secure, confidential file, accessible only to the child’s key person, the Manager, and the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Sharing Information in Exceptional Circumstances (see data protection policy)