Data Protection Policy - Little Swans

1 Little Swans Day Nursery data Protection Policy 2015/16 1 data Protection Policy Reviewed by: Samantha Tranter Date Reviewed: January 2017 The data Protection Officer for Little Swans Day Nursery is: Miss Samantha Tranter, Nursery Manager The data Protection Officer of the nursery, being the data controller in terms of the data Protection Act, has overall responsibility for ensuring that records are correctly processed. All staff within Little Swans Day Nursery involved with such processing are aware of their duties and responsibilities in line with this Policy .

2 Little Swans Day Nursery is fully committed to compliance with the requirements of the data Protection Act 1998 which came into force on 1st March 2000. The nursery will therefore follow procedures which aim to ensure that all employees, elected members, trainees/placement staff, helpers of the nursery who have access to any personal data held by or on behalf of the nursery are fully aware of and abide by their duties under the data Protection Act 1998. Statement of Policy In order to operate efficiently Little Swans has to collect and use information about people/children with whom it works.

3 These may include members of the public, current, past and prospective employees as well as parents and carers. In addition it may be required by law to collect and use information in order to comply with requirements of central government. This personal information must be handled and dealt with properly, however it is collected, recorded and used, and whether it be on paper in computer records or recorded by any other means, and therefore are safeguards within the Act to ensure this. Little Swans Nursery regards the lawful and correct treatment of personal information as very important to its successful operations and to maintaining confidence between the nursery and those with whom it carries out business and/or cares for.

4 The nursery will ensure that it treats personal information lawfully and correctly. To this end the nursery fully endorses and adheres to the principles of data Protection as set out in the data Protection Act 1998. Little Swans Day Nursery data Protection Policy 2015/16 2 Miss Tranter nursery Manager and Mrs. Boulton nursery owner have specific responsibility for data Protection in the nursery The nursery will conform to: The terms of the 1998 data Protection Act, and any subsequent relevant legislation, to ensure personal information is treated in a manner which is fair and lawful.

5 Ofsted advice and guidance which is supplied in the Early Years Foundation Stage Welfare Requirements framework. Information and guidance displayed on the Information Commissioner s website ( ) This Policy should be used in conjunction with the following nursery policies: E Policy , Internet Policy , social networking and safeguarding policies. Policy : 2 data Gathering All personal data relating to staff, children and their families or other people of whom we have contact, whether held on computer or in paper files, are covered by the Act. Only relevant personal data may be collected and the person from whom it is collected should be informed of the data s intended use and any possible disclosures of the information that may be made.

6 3 data Storage Personal data will be stored in a secure and safe manner. Electronic data will be protected by a password and firewall systems operated by the bursary (please refer to E Policy ) Computer workstations are positioned in the office. Management/ staff using the systems will remain conscious of casual observers. Manual data will be stored where it is not accessible to anyone who does not have a legitimate reason to view or process that data . Staff may carry data on memory sticks or other removable data carriers in order to access their files at the nursery.

7 However staff have signed an agreement that includes a list of do`s and don ts concerning use. Particular attention will be paid to the need for security of sensitive personal data . Strict checks are applied to determine the length of time information is held. 4 data Checking The nursery will issue regular reminders to staff and parents to ensure that personal data held is up to date and accurate. In addition twice yearly during parent s evening it is good practice of the nursery to issue all parent/ carers with new contact detail forms to be completed.

8 Any errors discovered will be rectified and, if the incorrect information has been disclosed to a third party; any recipients will be informed of the correct data . 5 data Disclosures Personal data will only be disclosed to organizations or individuals for whom consent has been given to receive the data , or organizations that have a legal right to receive the data without consent being given (safeguarding Policy ) Little Swans Day Nursery data Protection Policy 2015/16 3 When requests to disclose personal data are received by telephone it is the responsibility of the nursery to ensure the caller is entitled to receive the data and they are who they say they are.

9 It is good practice to call them back, preferably by a switchboard, to ensure the possibly of fraud is minimized. If a personal request is made for personal data to be disclosed it is again the responsibility of the nursery to ensure the caller is entitled to receive the data and that they are who they say they are. If the person is not known personally by the nursery, proof of identity must be requested. It may be necessary for the caller to request data in writing. Requests for children s names for Birthday parties and Christmas card lists can be given by a member of permanent nursery staff.

10 Note only children s first names should be given and their classroom. Separate parental consent is sought for group photographs of children prior to them being displayed or distributed. Consent should clearly identify the purpose for the photograph and it use as well as who will receive photos; this includes learning journeys. Personal data will not be used in newsletters, website or other media without prior consent form the subject. Personal data will only be disclosed to Police Officers if they are able to supply a WA170 form which notifies of a specific, legitimate need to have access to specific personal data .