Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

SEND privacy notice for parents, carers and young people

This privacy notice explains how Westmorland and Furness Council uses and protects personal information relating to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs).

Why we collect information

We need information about children and young people to:

  • decide whether an EHC Needs Assessment is required
  • assess whether an EHCP is needed
  • provide support and services
  • monitor progress and outcomes
  • help keep children and young people safe and well

The information we collect

We may collect:

  • name
  • address
  • date of birth
  • email address
  • telephone number
  • parent or carer details

We may also collect information about:

  • education
  • attendance
  • special educational needs
  • health
  • support services involved with your child

We do not collect criminal offence information as part of this process.

Where information comes from

Information may be provided by:

  • parents and carers
  • children and young people
  • schools and education settings
  • health services
  • other local authorities
  • professionals involved with your child

How we use information

We use information to:

  • carry out EHC Needs Assessments
  • prepare and review EHCPs
  • provide the right support
  • monitor educational progress
  • meet our legal duties

We make sure information is:

  • used fairly and lawfully
  • kept accurate and up to date
  • stored securely
  • only used when necessary

Who we share information with

We may share information with:

  • schools and education services
  • health professionals and health services
  • teams involved in supporting children and families

We only share information when necessary and take steps to keep it secure.

Your rights

You have the right to:

  • ask for a copy of the information we hold
  •  ask us to correct inaccurate information
  • object to how information is used in some circumstances
  • ask us to delete information if we no longer need it

Contact us

If you have any questions about how we use your child’s information, you can email us at dataassurance@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.

or write to us at:

The Data Protection Team
Westmorland and Furness Council
South Lakeland House
Lowther Street
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 4DQ

Make a complaint

If you are unhappy with how we have handled personal information, you can complain to:

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). 
Telephone: 0303 123 1113