Why choose us?AboutPricing
LeadersSafeguardingCPDGovernorHubKeyGPT

Child protection records: retention

Understand the guidance on keeping child protection records, including the information on pupil files, court orders and allegations made against members of staff.

Last reviewed on 1 October 2024See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 12194
Contents
  1. There's no statutory retention period
  2. Keeping records of allegations made against staff
  3. Keeping court orders relating to pupils

There's no statutory retention period

There are no specific regulations on how long you should keep child protection records, but you:

  • Must not keep more personal information on file than is absolutely necessary under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
  • Should refer to your local authority (LA) when setting your own retention schedule, as LAs may set retention periods for schools in their area

How long is it 'necessary' to keep records?

Primary schools only need to keep the records until the pupil transfers to secondary school, when you should send the information to the new school. Read this article for more advice on transferring child protection files securely. 

Secondary schools can legally justify keeping child protection files for 25 years from the child's date of birth.

Our legal advisers, Forbes Solicitors, told us this can