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A few unlucky childcare providers have received bogus letters from agencies requesting sums of between £95 and £135 to register under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA). These bogus demands often use threatening language and are on official-looking letterhead.

If you receive one of these letters ignore it – the statutory fee for notification is just £35 a year and businesses that need to register should go directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office on 01625 545 740.

It shouldn’t always be necessary for childcare providers to register under the DPA – the only time you would usually have to register is if you are keeping parent’s and children’s names and addresses and personal details on a computer.

If you are keeping your records in paper form and are mindful of confidentiality, ie, not allowing anyone else to see personal information, addresses, accident/sickness records etc, it will not be necessary to register with the DPA.

If you are unsure or would like further information you can call the Information Commissioner’s Office on the above number.