Confidential??

[Letta80]

My daughter is in reception class. She has special needs. We have regular meetings at the end of each term to discuss her improvements etc. Over half term a Dad from the school spoke to me about something that had been said in this meeting. I haven’t told anyone about this specific comment so he couldn’t of found out another way. (He’s a very involved members of the PTA) Although nothing that would put my child in danger i felt that it wasn’t their place to tell him. Is this a breach of confidence? I don’t want to make a big fuss as it doesn’t affect my daughter. I’d just like to make it clear to the school that they cannot talk to other parents about what happens in meetings regarding my daughter that are meant to be confidential. Thank you.

Yes that absolutely sounds like a breach of confidentiality.

I would talk to the HT about your concerns regarding ensuring details about your DD are not disclosed to any parent without your consent. They should have their knuckles wrapped over this.

I can see that Governors are made aware of some details, but I think normally the child isn't named (might be wrong) - but not PTA members.

(Rapped not wrapped!)

Hi OP,

I would definitely have a word that everything about ur child be kept confidential except with school staff etc. I wouldn’t want any parent knowing mine or my child business...having said that it does seem to happen in schools, a teacher told a friend of mine (who has a child in this teachers class) that a child in her class has special needs which is why he behaves how he does, I was mortified! It’s no ones business to share such info and it’s defo confidential

It does get more complicated as your child gets older. For example, my DS does group work on social skills. All the children in the group have ASD. I did have to consent to the group appointments, but essentially all the year group now know which children have autism because of it.

But teachers should definitely not be telling other parents about the needs of specific children.

Totally agree with zzzzz

Somethings will be picked up by peers and passed along to siblings and parents and passed along again.

Things in meetings are confidential. I'd mention to HT that something said 'got out' and was bough up by a parent PTA member. Just say it upset you and can she remind staff and ensure confidential things are kept that way.

I find if you go in first instance with a nice "please just ensure/ be careful" they will listen better and respond well (as they know they fucked up and the children sequences of that).

Going straight in with a complaint (which you are absolutely entitled to do) will create a rift and risk damaging what sounds otherwise a good relationship. And the person most affected that way - again - is DD.