Analyse the potential tension between maintaining confidentiality and the need to disclose information: when poor practice is identified, where a child is at risk, when it is suspected that a crime has been/may be committed

Qualification: Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 2.5: Work in partnership
Learning outcome: 4 Understand recording, storing and sharing information in relation to partnership working
Assessment criteria: 4.4 Analyse the potential tension between maintaining confidentiality and the need to disclose information: when poor practice is identified, where a child is at risk, when it is suspected that a crime has been/may be committed

• Although we should strive to maintain confidentiality, there will be times when information must be shared with others if the welfare of a child is at risk
• Examples include if you identify poor practice, safeguarding concerns and if a crime has or is likely to be commited
• This can result in dilemmas and tensions
• E.g. if you witness a co-worker performing unsafe practices, you must report this to your manager even though you may be worried about it affecting your co-worker’s employment or that it willput strain on your relationship with them
• E.g. if you suspect a child is being abused, you must report it to the relevant authorities even though it may affect your relationship with the parent/carer