In a message dated 02/01/2001 15:29:40 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< Following Jody Bhoot's message in December I wrote to OFSTED to ask about
the statutory basis for their requesting data.
For information, their reply is as follows:
"Thank you for your letter of 15 December.
We share your understanding that the transfer of responsibility for the
regulation of Early Years Services implies that Local Authorities will be
expected to supply OFSTED with data on childminders and child care providers.
As we made it clear at the recent seminars for Transitiuon Officers, OFSTED
is prepared to take any data from local authorities that they are prepared to
supply us with. In your case, if you decide to merely supply the information
that is currently available in the public record, then we will use that as we
build our national database. You may be interested to know that other local
authorities are prepared to supply more as OFSTED does not intend to use the
information for any purposes other than that for which you gathered it
initially.
It would be helpful if you could let us know of any plans you have to supply
us with the other data on or before 3 September when OFSTED assumes
responsibility for the work.
Yours sincerely
Dorian Bradley
Early Years Programme Director >>
---------------------
So all that needs to be covered under the First Principle is the disclosure.
Although the purpose may be the same, childminders and carers would not have
been aware of any disclosure to OFSTED.
Of course, if the data given is only that available in a public register, the
above need not apply.
Ian Buckland
MD
Keep IT Legal Ltd
|