Pupil Language Data - Guidance for Local Authorities on schools' collection and recording of data on pupils' languages (in compliance with the Data Protection Act) (Ref 0414-2006DOC-EN)
This guidance for Local Authorities (LAs) advises on the collection and recording of data on pupils' spoken languages for local purposes and for the School Census (formerly the Pupil Level Annual School Census).
It confirms the role of LAs in providing leadership and support to their schools in the collection of data to inform inclusion and equality strategies at school, LA and national level, thereby helping to ensure that every child has the opportunity to fulfil his or her potential.
The School Census 2007 will collect language data using the category list contained in Annex A of the guidance. Collection of language data using the full list is voluntary.
Previous data collections from schools have collected pupil's first language using a restricted list of categories (identified by an asterisk in Annex A). These categories have all been included in the new category list to allow LAs who at present do not wish to adopt the full list to maintain the use of the restricted list.
Action required by Local Authorities wishing to use the full language category list
i) During 2006:
To advise and support schools on the collection and recording of data on pupils' languages. LAs with schools currently collecting language data will need to consider issues around migration and re-recording of data. LAs where language data is not currently being collected will need to consider how this process will be implemented.
ii) By Autumn term 2006:
LAs will need to ensure that their schools are collecting pupil language data during the Autumn Term 2006 and to ensure that all schools have recorded data on pupil’s first language for all pupils on roll in time for the January 2007 Census collection and for all Common Transfer File (CTF) after January 2007.
For guidance, further information and sample letters to Headteachers, parents etc please follow the link below
http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/ethnicminorities/collecting/Pupil_First_Lang/
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