Transfer of records between schools

[Sal14]

Does anyone know what pupil information schools are obliged to transfer when a child moves (primary) school. My daughter was sexually abused by a family member who has been imprisoned for this offense. Social Services are not involved and as far as we are concerned there is not an ongoing safeguarding issue. Obviously, at the time school had to be informed as it was a police matter. However, we are movingon and want a fresh start. The Head has informed me that she must transfer this information onto the safeguarding person at the new school. How long will this information continue to follow my daughter? As a family, we want to move on from this horrendous time and not have it dragged up each time she moves school. I will contact the local authority safeguarding team on Monday but wondered if anyone had any knowledge or similar experience?

[noblegiraffe]

I'm so sorry that this happened to your DD.

I don't know what records are required to be transferred between schools, however I do think that this sort of information should be on record at the school, not to be shared around liberally with teachers, but just in case something comes up where you need the school to be aware of the background. It's possible that your DD may need more support further down the line.

[TheField65]

I work in a large secondary school, dealing with admissions. This information has to go from school to school, however, it will be sent in a sealed envelope marked confidential, for the CPLO (Child Protection Lead Officer) only. The information contained within it will only be seen by that person and possibly one or two other people. The whole school staff will definitely NOT know anything about it at all, or even of its existence.

noblegiraffe is right - this is all about safeguarding your child, in case something comes up further down the line. At that point, the CPLO will know exactly how to handle it, and will be able to handle it well, because they will have had the information and background with which to do so.

I do understand that you feel you don't want it following you around and would rather put it behind you, but all I can say is that there are, sadly, children whose parents move them from school to school in order to hide abuse, and that these procedures are in place to safeguard those children. Your child is not one of those, but the procedure with the records must be the same, so I hope you can understand why it must be so.

[Sal14]

We received wonderful support in the form of counselling from the NSPCC, and we would have no hesitation in getting further professional support if needed. Whilst I understand in some cases it is absolutely imperative for a school to have information, I am not sure that this is one of them. I am not sure in what way this information is shared between the schools and how confidential it really is. Our HV had a full history as does our doctor but I do feel very concerned that this information will not be as secure within a school setting.

[noblegiraffe]

I think you need to trust the Child Protection officers to do their job. Unfortunately your DD won't be the only child that they will have such information about.

[Sal14]

Sorry, just saw your post TheField65, thank you for the information. Do you know if it's standard protocol for the CPLO to discuss the issues when the child starts or is it for records only?

[mrz]

The Designated Safeguarding Officer will see any information and then the file will be locked away.

[TheField65]

Sorry for late reply - I think probably in this case, because it was all so long ago. it will be read through and filed. I can't vouch for your particular school's CPLO but I doubt ours would interview you over this, for exactly the reasons you are stating i.e., not to drag it all up again. Wishing you all the best with this move.

[pinkflufyunicorns]

I am a secondary school governor who has a responsibility for safeguarding. Agree with what is said above re confidentiality. As a governor I check that the correct procedures are in place but do not even know the names of the children on record, let alone the issues involved. Why not ask to meet the school head to specifically discuss this issue and explain your concerns? They may be the CPLO anyway and the issue may go no further than the two you. Good luck

[Paddington68]

Please trust the people at both schools to have the very best interests of your child at heart. Much love.

[Sal14]

Thank you all for your replies. I think I will ask to speak to the Head who is also the safeguarding lead at the school. I just want reassurance that the information will only be seen by her.

[Ditsyprint40]

As others have said, it will only be the safeguarding lead. Information is shared on a 'need to know' basis, and it sounds like it is highly unlikely to be discussed.

It will however be passed to the secondary school too. Same procedures will apply. Agree with above that you should trust them to keep this info confidential, but the safeguarding lead will bear it in mind, should any concerns arise.