Children's database consultation launched

Speaking last week in London, children's minister Delyth Morgan launched a new consultation on the rules governing ContactPoint.

Established under the Department for Children, Schools and Families' Every Child Matters programme, the database will include details relating to every child in the country, including names, addresses and details for parents, carers and other relevant officials.

Some of the proposed changes to the directory are updating it to contain information on children schooled in England, but living elsewhere, and protecting the details of parents of children who already have their profiles "shielded".

Ms Morgan commented: "Ensuring the system includes all children that go to school in England will make it truly universal, helping professionals ensure that no child slips through the net."

Responding to the scheme's introduction earlier this year, Martin Narey, chief executive of children's charity Barnardo's, said: "Ultimately ContactPoint has the potential to make the world a safer place for vulnerable children."

Written by Tim Colman

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