Special Persons Information Network (SPIN)

Additional Needs Database

What is it?

Special Persons Information Network (SPIN) Database is a way for Plymouth City Council to collect and store information about the needs of children and young people in Plymouth with special needs and disabilities. The database will hold information about an individual’s needs and what the parents or carers need to look after them.

Setting up this database means we will be able to improve the services we offer to children and young people with additional needs because it gives us a way to consult and involve the people that matter most in the decisions we make - you!

Why was the database set up?

SPIN Database was set up to improve services and communication between us (Plymouth City Council) and you (our customers). Any good business will always listen to the views of its customers and we are no different. We want to make sure that we make our services relevant to the lives of the people that use them.

Holding a database also means that we are meeting the requirements of the Children Act 1989 that says all local authorities must maintain a register of disabled children in their area.

To set up our database, we asked children and young people with additional needs for their help, as well as carers, parents and professionals including teachers, occupational therapists, nurses, social workers and people from voluntary organisations.

Who should register on the database?

The database is open to children and young people (0-25) living within Plymouth city boundaries who have additional needs, different abilities and/or any of the following impairments:

• physical
• hearing
• visual
• language
• development delay
• mobility difficulties
• learning impairment
• and emotional or behavioural needs

What’s in it for the children/young people and their parents/carers?

As a child/young person or a parent/carer you will benefit from this project in the following ways:

• we will keep you updated on new services and changes to services in Plymouth and beyond through newsletters, brochures, reports, emails and the Internet
• we will help or direct you to appropriate services whether you are a customer of our social services department or not
• we will help you find others with the same needs or conditions and help to set up local support groups
• we will listen to your views and needs

The database will increase the chances of:

• improved services for children/young people and their carers
• funding and donations from voluntary or other organisations

How do I add my name to the database?

Adding your name to the database is easy and it’s entirely up to you if you want to.

You can add your name (if you are the child or young person) or the name of the child or young person you care for (if you are a parent or carer) to the database using one of the ways below.

Filling in a paper questionnaire (Data collection form) that can be downloaded (see Attachments below) or by contacting the Database Coordinator using one of the methods below:

• phoning 01752 308777 and leave your name and address
• email your name and address to the Database Coordinator

Or you can pick up a paper form from:

• local libraries
• schools
• the Youth Enquiry Service (YES)
• Connexions
• the Parent Partnership
• and other health, education and social services centres

The form is available in other languages on request.

Can I get help to fill in the form?

If you want help to fill in the form please call or the Database Coordinator (see Contacts in the right hand column).

You may also ask for help from your social worker, occupational therapist, school nurse or health visitor.

Will the information I give you be safe?

When Plymouth City Council holds information about people, we must make sure that the information is safe. To do this we work in line with the Data Protection Act 1998.

The information held on the SPIN Database will be regularly updated and parents/carers and young people will receive a copy of their information to check if it is correct.

All information will be kept secure. This means we will not share your personal information with anyone unless you sign the consent form that allows us to pass on your details (only to other relevant agencies that we work with).

Personal information is that which can identify an individual like reference numbers, financial details, addresses or phone numbers.

Documents

To view these documents you might need to download some software. Visit our downloads page for more information.

Special Persons Information Network (SPIN) Data collection form - for children and young adults (0 to 25 years) with additional needs (disabilities). File format Adobe Acrobat (pdf) - 550KB

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