Data Protection Act 1998

All schools and nurseries must be registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). As data controllers it is a legal requirement to declare your responsibility for holding information. Guidance to Headteachers was sent out in 2001 and initial registration with the ICO should have been done then. However, registration is payable annually and must be maintained. It might be more convenient to set up a direct debit for this payment of £35, if you haven’t already done so.

You can do this on the Information Commissioners website. If your registration has been lapsed for some time, you may need to submit a document detailing all the reasons for holding personal data. Please refer to our Notification template, to which you only need add your school name and contact details. This template also contains a model Information Protection & Security Policy, which is also necessary.

Please ensure this is done as soon as possible as it is a legal requirement.

For any queries regarding the above please telephone Harriet Smith on 01603 222449 or email Harriet.