To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools in England collect fingerprints of their pupils; and what guidance his Department has given on fingerprinting of pupils. (102006)

The Department does not record the number of schools in England that collect fingerprints of their pupils.

Schools and local authorities are responsible for deciding their own policies relating to information about children which they wish to hold and use, subject to the relevant legislation on Data Protection and Freedom of Information. The Department has published guidance for schools and local authorities on implementing the legislation but has not issued specific guidance on the introduction of fingerprinting.