The Linden Centre

Privacy Notice & Freedom of Information (FOI) Statement

Privacy Notice for Parents/Carers (GDPR & UK Data Protection Act 2018)

Introduction

Under data protection law, individuals have the right to be informed about how we use personal data. This notice explains how The Linden Centre collects, stores, uses, and shares personal data about pupils. We are the data controller for this information.

Our Data Protection Officer is:
Rob Montgomery, Telford and Wrekin Council
School Senior Administrator (HR Support) : Joanne Skitt

We are committed to processing data fairly, transparently, and securely, in accordance with:

• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)

• Data Protection Act 2018

• Freedom of Information Act 2000

• Education Act 1996 and related statutory obligations

Personal Data We Collect

We may collect, store, and process personal data about pupils, including:

• Contact details (name, address, telephone, email)

• Date of birth

• Identification documents (passport, birth certificate)

• Assessment and examination results (internal and external)

• Academic and curricular records

• Characteristics (ethnicity, special educational needs, eligibility for free school meals)

• Attendance and exclusion records

• Safeguarding and child protection information

• Health information, including physical and mental health conditions

• Details of support received (care plans, interventions, support providers)

• Photographs and other media

We may also receive information from other organisations, including schools, local authorities, and the Department for Education (DfE).

Why We Use This Data

We use pupil data to:

• Support teaching and learning

• Monitor and report on pupil progress

• Provide pastoral care and ensure pupil welfare

• Assess the quality of our services

• Administer admissions and waiting lists

• Conduct research for educational improvement

• Comply with legal obligations

Legal Basis for Processing Data

We only process personal data when legally allowed. Common legal bases include:

• Legal obligation – we must comply with UK law

• Public task – performing an official function in the public interest

• Consent – where we have obtained clear consent

• Vital interests – to protect someone’s life

Where we rely on consent, it can be withdrawn at any time. We will make this clear when seeking consent.

Collecting Information

Some information is mandatory and some is optional. We will clearly indicate which is required and the consequences of not providing it.

Data Storage

We store personal data securely for as long as necessary to comply with legal obligations. Our Records Management Policy outlines retention periods, following guidance from the Information and Records Management Society (IRMS).

Data Sharing

We do not share personal data without consent unless legally permitted. When necessary, we may share data with:

• Local Authority (e.g., safeguarding, exclusions)

• Department for Education

• Pupil’s family and representatives

• Educators, examining bodies

• Regulators (Ofsted)

• Suppliers and contracted service providers

• Government agencies

• Auditors, research organisations

• Health and social welfare authorities

• Courts, tribunals, police

• Professional advisers and bodies

National Pupil Database (NPD)

We provide information to the DfE as part of statutory collections (e.g., school census). Data in the NPD is used for research and statistics. Organisations accessing NPD data must comply with strict terms. Further information is available via the DfE.

International Data Transfers

Any transfer of personal data outside the UK will comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Parents’ and Pupils’ Rights

Parents and pupils have the right to:

• Access personal data (subject access request)

• Request correction or deletion of inaccurate data

• Object to processing or direct marketing

• Request data portability

• Object to automated decision-making

• Complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

Subject Access Requests should be directed to our Data Protection Officer. Educational record requests should be made to Darren Lennon, Headteacher.

Complaints

If you believe data is mishandled, contact our Data Protection Officer. Complaints can also be submitted to the ICO:

• Website: https://ico.org.uk/concerns/

• Phone: 0303 123 1113

• Address: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF

FOI Statement

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, The Linden Centre provides access to non-personal information we hold. Requests can be made in writing to:

Joanne Skitt, School Business Manager
Requests must specify the information required. Some information may be withheld if exempt under FOI law.

Contact

For any questions regarding this privacy notice or FOI requests, please contact:

Data Protection Officer: Rob Montgomery, Telford and Wrekin Council
School Senior Administrator (HR Support): Joanne Skitt