It also uses the information to derive statistics to inform decisions on, for example, the funding of schools, and to assess the performance of schools and set targets for them. The statistics are used in such a way that individual children cannot be identified from them.

 

Essex County Council handles information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Data Protection Act 1998 and is the data controller for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998. 

Primary care trusts (PCTs) use information about pupils for research and statistical purposes, to monitor the performance of local health services, and to evaluate and develop them. The statistics are used in such a way that individual pupils cannot be identified from them.

 

Information on the height and weight of individual pupils may, however, be provided to the child and the parents and this will require the PCTs to maintain details of pupils’ names for this purpose for a period designated by the Department of Health following the weighing and measuring process. PCTs may also provide individual schools and LAs with aggregate information on pupils’ height and weight. 

For pupils 13 years and over, the school is legally required to pass on certain information to the Youth support services on request. This is the local authority information and advice service for young people aged 13 to 19. This information includes the name and address of the pupil and parent, and any further information relevant to the support services’ role. 

 

However, parents (or the pupils themselves if aged 16 or over), can ask that no information beyond name and address (for pupil and parent) be passed on. If, as a parent, or as a pupil aged 16 or over, you wish to opt-out and do not want the Youth support services to receive from the school information beyond name and address, please contact the school.