How does the parent/pupil research opt-out work?

Parents can ask for their child's class not to be included in research.

How it works

1. A parent contacts the school to opt their child's class out of research.
2. The school tells the relevant ECT or Mentor.
3. Each time they record that class, the ECT or Mentor selects the research opt-out box in PRISM. This prevents the transcript from that recording being used for research.

What Induction Tutors need to do

1. Download the Parent Notification. This is available via the Recording Tool Permissions tab in PRISM, either in Step 5 or from the confirmation page once setup is complete.
2. Add your school's contact details to the Parent Notification, then share it, along with the Pupil Information Sheet, before recording starts.
3. If a parent opts out, tell the relevant ECT or Mentor which classes must not be used for research so they know when to select the opt-out box.

Although management of opt-outs can be delegated to another staff member, the Induction Tutor remains responsible for ensuring that it happens. This responsibility is confirmed in Step 5 of the permissions process.

Good to know

• A single research opt-out excludes the entire class from being used in research.
• Research opt-outs do not stop teachers recording lessons for ECT development purposes. However, some schools may choose not to record opted-out classes at all rather than relying on the opt-out box being selected each time.
• Secondary pupil information sheets explain to pupils that their parents have been provided with information about how to opt out of research.

Full details of schools' responsibilities for notifying parents and managing research opt-outs can be found in the Data Sharing Agreement.