Freedom of Information - 2 LEA's - Who to ask?

[sweetteamum]

I'm currently going to ask our LEA, for ALL details they hold on DD. However, I've just realised that she goes to an out of LEA school. So, do I write to both LEA's or do I just write to our LEA?

It's probably an obvious question and staring me in the face but my mind has gone blank

[claw4]

I think it should be the LEA were you live, however send 2 to be on the safe side.

[claw4]

From what i remember of living in one LA and ds going to a school in another LA, sometimes the LA where you live provide funds to the LA where my ds was in school to provide services. So both could have info.

[willowthecat]

Remember is Data Protection Act request for personal data - and I would ask both

[sweetteamum]

That's just the type of info they'll probably have on her. They most definitely should have SEN details, which is the stuff i'm really interested in seeing

Thank you claw

[sweetteamum]

Thanks willow

I'll make sure I ''Google'' the right template letter :)

[sweetteamum]

Ooops, forgot to ask.

Do I just say that I want to see ALL information they hold, or is there a better way to work it, to make sure nothing gets kept out (apart from what they are allowed to keep)

[inappropriatelyemployed]

This would be a Data Protection Act request not an FOI Act.

It depends what you want to obtain: you would be safer asking for information from both LAs.

[willowthecat]

Ask for ALL - you may find they with hold data unlawfully regardless but that's another story . Also LEAs often avoid putting anything 'controversial' in a form that is covered by DPA

[inappropriatelyemployed]

You can ask for a copy of the file and include examples of the things you want e.g. letters, emails, reports, records of meetings, telephone attendance notes, internal and external communications etc

[sweetteamum]

Thank you both.

I'll ask both LEA'S. It's the Data Protection Act and i'm better off saying i'd like ALL the information. I will then give details on the info required.

How on earth do you even findout if they keep anything from you - I should imagine my file is already got lots of little horrible, nasty and who knows what else, that they'd hide from me

[willowthecat]

I think it's easier just to say ALL as the danger with specifying items is that it gives more scope for avoidance - 'oh but it wasn't actually record, it was just a 'whatever you did not ask for' type of document. It would be only be if you know or suspect that certain data does exist and then when it does not appear , you suspect witholding - you can appeal to the Data Protection Commissioner to investigate

[sweetteamum]

Ahhhh I see. Absolutely understand you reasoning. Sorry, I have been up way too long already!!

I will get those printed off and dropped off or sent by recorded delivery today :)