Information sharing

Improving information sharing is a cornerstone of the Every Child Matters strategy and a central part of the common core.

The Children Act 2004 sets out clear expectations for local action to improve information sharing and this is further embedded in the Children's Plan 2007.

Information sharing is the term used to describe the situation where practitioners use their professional judgement and experience on a case-by-case basis to decide whether and what personal information to share with other practitioners in order to meet the needs of a child.

We have worked with the Department for Education (DfE) to produce tools, advice and guidance to promote good practice in information sharing. Responsibility for the information sharing guidance (legal requirement) still lies with DfE.

All information including toolkits, guidance, fact sheets and training packages for integrated working are located in the information sharing area of the DfE website.