Whitehall gives green light to child database

The government is going ahead with plans for a central index of all children, despite concerns from MPs.

The Information Sharing Index scheme was devised following the public inquiry into the Victoria Climbié case and was included in the Children’s Bill passed in November.

The scheme will create 150 regional registers, with a 151st system to co-ordinate them.

The government responded to issues raised by the Commons Education and Skills Committee, saying it is committed to a staged approach informed by the results of the nine local authority pilots now under way.

The security implications of the plan have been highlighted by the Education Committee and the Information Commissioner.

The government’s response to the committee stresses a commitment to suitable safeguards.

‘Security controls will be subject to independent scrutiny and audit, both at design stage and after implementation, and security standards will be in line with industry and government best practice,’ says the response document, published last week.

The Education Committee’s original report expressed scepticism about the scheme’s justification, and concern that it was signed off before the pilots were completed.