Little Explorers understands the new statutory information sharing duty under s.16LA Children Act 2004.
We will share relevant information where it may help to safeguard and promote the welfare of a child, including for early help, prevention and to meet unmet need. We understand we do not need to wait for a child to be at risk of significant harm.
Parental consent is not required where there is a lawful basis to share under this duty, but where possible I will be open and honest with parents about what I am sharing and why, unless doing so would increase risk to the child.
When sharing we will ensure information is necessary, proportionate, accurate, relevant and shared securely. We will record what was shared, with whom, when, why, and any decision not to share. We will comply with requests for information from statutory safeguarding partners (Hampshire Children's Services, Police, Health).
We have read DfE statutory guidance: _Information Sharing Duty: Statutory guidance for safeguarding organisations and their practitioners_ (2026) alongside _Working Together to Safeguard Children_ and the ICO Data Sharing Code of Practice.