Teaching Assistant Level 3 - Understanding Legislation

a) I will now explain the major points relating to legislation and procedures/confidentiality/data protection and disclosure of information. The purpose of the Data Protection Act 1998 is the safeguarding information and use only for the reasons for which it was gathered. The information should not be used even if you think it won't be harmful to anyone. Schools ask for large amounts of information about pupils from their parents or carers but may only asked for relevant information such as: health or medical information, prior school records or documents for children with SEN. if any of this information needs to be shared, it must be authorised by children's parents in writing or signature. There are eight key points but manage how personal information may be used. Information has to be:
*Prepared justly and impartially
*Used only for the initial purpose it was collected
*Sufficient, appropriate are not exorbitant
*Concise and up-to-date
*Dealt with in accordance with the person's rights
*Kept safe
*Not taken out of the EU without acceptable protection
As a teaching assistant, we may be asked for information that we have access to. We must never give it out without asking the advice or permission of our manager. We must never take photographs of children for any reason without parental permission! Never give information to other children at school, parents of other children, or external professionals or visitors without consent. Adults working with children need to be aware of all current legislations relating to respect in the human rights of children. The Every Child Matters/Help Children Achieve More   (ECM) materialised to make more services unified and information distribution amongst professionals. ECM began after the death of a six-year-old girl called Victoria Climbie, who was abused consistently by her great aunt and murdered. This happened even when social services were having regular visits with them.
b) Confidentiality as many problems...