School Record? Pupil Profiles?

[koonelly]

Hi Hope someone who works within schools can help me out here. My 5 year old has had a rather negative start to school.(long story) We are looking at moving him as we are moving within the area but and thought this might be opportunity to start his school life on a more positive note by applying to a different, much smaller school that is better able to meet his needs. I want to see what information was within his pupil record, so asked for a copy of his 'Pupil Profile' from SENCO, she said it was not needed by myself and just noted meeting dates etc. I know they contain more than this and am worried that negative, biased and untrue information from his temporary NQT reception teacher is in the record and will be carried on to a new school. I want to be able to challange this information. Question is am i entiltled to see record and does every child have one? ( as senco informed me my older son does not even have a record and that School reports would do??)

[MadameSin]

By law and under the freedom of information act, you are entitled to a copy of any files/docs the school keep on your child ... and they will have a file for every child in the school. You need to apply in writing and give at least 2 weeks notice. It is your right, do not let them fob you off. Put it in writing to the HT and they are not able to refuse. If they do, copy the request, stating your request has been turned down, to their Chair of Governors and let the HT know you are doing this. Good luck!

[koonelly]

Thanks, will ask offically now. Previously asked in a just 'by the way' sort of thing in the playground. Will request to see both DC's records now. Thought this was the case but SENCO looked so confused as if she had know idea what i meant i doubted myself!

[IndigoBell]

However, I don't think you can 'challenge' it. I don't think you can influence what will get sent to the new school.....

I think the new school will place more store by the child they see before them, then whatever is written in his records....

We moved school and I know the new school must have got loads of negative stuff about 2 of my children (and me?) in their records. Hasn't affected them at all. I'm far too scared too ask what is in their records - all it will do is upset me.

Schools understand 'fresh starts'. It happens all the time for all sorts of reasons.

[MadameSin]

That's because the SENCO isn't the right person to ask ... go via the HT. Indigo is right though. Be prepared for any 'nastys' and don't challenge them .... what's been said, has been said iyswim. Oh and also, if there is anything in the file that the school feel would be 'counterproductive' to include, they can take it out ... but they must put a note in saying that they have done so - ridiculous, isn't it?

[schoolsecretary]

I would be very surprised if there is very much in any of the files that you won't have already seen. Usually copies of end of year reports, any applications through the senco for additional support (you should have seen these and agreed with them going out and possibly even signed some of them.) There should be notes of any meetings you have had and probably very little else. New School will talk to old when you apply for a place and you will have no way of knowing what gets said.

[IndigoBell]

Really? Do they not store progress levels and such in a child's files? Do they not note down 'incidents' in a child's file?

So is there no way to find out what level a child was at at Year X if they've moved school?

The notes of meetings can obviously be hugely worrying.....

My DSs file is an inch thick - yet none of his old IEPs are in it. So something is.

[ninani]

Our son's nursery gave us his profile to give it to his new school. I was quite pleased to see lots of pictures of his playing building this wall cooperating with the children, this day he corrected this child, almost daily stickers noticing what he could do and level of concentration, that day he bossed that child so needs work with fair play (observation report 1/3), mini reports of which letters and numbers he could recognise at which stage and his computer familiarity, questions he occasionally asked and teacher's reply, teacher asked to bring these many blocks and he brought that many then corrected himself which proves he can subtract 1 etc etc!!