Local authorities including ourselves need to collect information on children and young people in need of services or are "looked after".
Some of this information is sent to the central government Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) each year in what are called statutory returns. This page is to inform you what the information will be used for.
The information will include some personal data and the details of services provided to "looked after" children and children in need. Names are not included in the information provided to the DCSF and they do not use any identifiable information in relation to individual children and young people nor are individuals identified in any reports.
The DCSF will use the information to help improve, monitor progress and develop good practice in the services you receive from us.
All information we record and hold is processed securely and in accordance with the Data Protection Act. You have the right to access the data held. For details of how to access your data please see the Guide to making a subject access request in the Data Protection Act page in this section or see the page Your right to information from Social Care
A complete list of the information collected for central government can be seen at:http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/datastats1/guidelines/children/returns.shtml. or you can read the document attached to this page.
A written copy can also be obtained on request from The Data Development Unit, Data Services Group, Department for Children, School and Families, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT.