Rochester Preschool works closely with the children and families in its care. It is our intention to respect the privacy of children and their parents and carers, whilst ensuring that they access high quality early years care and education. It is very important that any information concerning the children and families is kept confidential at all time. At no time must staff discuss any matters outside the premises.

 Methods

To ensure that all those using and working in the preschool can do so with confidence, we respect confidentiality in the following ways:

• Parents have ready access to the files and records of their own children but do not have access to information about any other child.
• Personal information about children about their families and staff is kept securely in a lockable cupboard. 
• Any concerns/evidence relating to the child’s personal safety are kept in a lockable cupboard and are shared with as few people as possible on a ‘need-to-know’ basis.
• Staff will not discuss personal information given by parents with other members of staff, except where it affects planning for the child’s needs or supporting them. 
• Staff induction includes an awareness of the importance of confidentiality; and all members of staff are expected to update themselves with the confidentiality policy provided by the preschool. Any member of staff found to be discussing a child or family outside the preschool will be put through the disciplinary procedure.
• Issues to do with the employment of staff, whether paid or unpaid, remains confidential to the people directly involved with making personal decisions.