To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what guidance his Department has issued on the (a) use of and (b) merits of consultation with parents in relation to the sharing and disposal of data on change of school in relation to biometric identification systems in schools. (167621)

Guidance on the implementation and use of biometric data in schools is available on Becta’s website at:

http://schools.becta.org.uk/index.php?section=lv&catcode=ss_Iv_saf_dp_03&rid=14160

The guidance, published in July 2007 by Becta and developed in consultation with the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Information Commissioner’s Office, advises schools to fully involve parents in any decision to introduce biometric or fingerprint technology to run cashless lunch queues, school libraries and attendance systems.

The guidance underlines that head teachers and governing bodies should be clear and open with all parents and pupils about this and all aspects of their education. The guidance also signposts further advice and support for schools to assist them in meeting their obligations under the Data Protection Act, including ensuring that personal data is kept safe and secure and is not held for longer than necessary. As soon as any pupil leaves a school, their biometric identification data collected for administrative technology systems should be destroyed.

In addition, the Information Commissioner’s Office have published their view on the use of biometric technologies in schools. This is available at:

http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/data_protection/detailed_specialist_guides/fingerprinting_final_view.pdf