Incompetent staff in schools

[Emmas1985]

Hi mumsnetters

RANT TIME!!
I have an ongoing issue with my child’s school.... my child’s legal name is double barrelled with both parents surnames, however my child doesn’t have anything at all to do with his father, not our choice, and so his preferred surname is only mine. He has always been at the same school and the name change occurred in reception after a lot of bad stuff happened regarding his dad including safeguarding issues, CAFCASS and a court battle, which his dad decided he would withdraw from and have no contact. My child is adamant that his double barrelled name is not his name and he only has one name, I have spoken to the school LOTS of times about this and every year I have the same issue. Well today I’ve lost it on the administration team, to the point where one of them apologised so I feel like I won the battle (this time lol) but does anyone else have these type of issues in their schools?? How many times should I have to repeat something about the same thing??

I didn't provide any written consent to change preffered names for either of my kids and they have been to a few different schools, it's always been a straight forward process and I am in england @ChloeDecker

I didn't provide any written consent to change preffered names for either of my kids and they have been to a few different schools, it's always been a straight forward process and I am in england @ChloeDecker**

I don’t doubt that you did. Plenty of people are able to do things, despite not being legal and getting away with it. Your anecdote does not negate the fact that there is legislation that shows that the OP was unreasonable in losing it with admin staff.

But I have never ever been asked to provide any written consent @chloeDecker so I haven't been trying to get away with anything. It's strange how the four different schools one being a secondary have never asked and are apparently doing something illegal. As far as ops actions I didn't comment on that just found it strange that so many people claim you can't do it and that it's illegal but I have never been questioned on it not once. Bizarre.

But I have never ever been asked to provide any written consent @chloeDecker so I haven't been trying to get away with anything

Completely missing my point!

My point is, to spell it out, is that it is written in the Education Act, that to change a preferred surname, schools should request consent from both parents or anyone else with parental responsibility.

Schools not asking for consent (I’m sure many staff don’t know the Education Act inside out) does not negate the fact that it is written in law or that you personally, have done anything wrong.

What it does mean is that it doesn’t give someone the right to slag off admin staff if they don’t change a preferred surname based on the request of one parent.

Hope that makes sense now

No you are missing my point that schools do not ask for consent. No need to try and be patronising.

My children used their non legal name throughout school - the school were aware of the change. My children went to different secondary schools and both checked prior to entry to GCSE which name they planned on using into adulthood so their exams certs could all be in the right name. It was not rocket science. I never did it legally so they had the right to choose either name when they became adults.

From the reply's on here it seems some computer systems now used are not flexible enough to allow this

By the way I changed my name at the same time by usage - never by deed poll and use it on my passport driving license and work and pay tax.

No you are missing my point that schools do not ask for consent. No need to try and be patronising.

Correction, your schools haven’t asked for consent from both parents. Plenty do, however. Your schools are lucky that the other parent has not raised a complaint, as they would be at fault if challenged.

That’s a good question uselesspiece. I’d assume that the deed poll documentation would act as the ‘consent’ for the schools records, to cover their own backs. Not come across that before. Would be interesting to look into.

In what way are the school using the incorrect name? Is it in his school books or is he being called it in class?

"Correction, your schools haven’t asked for consent from both parents."

"Correction " really!? Nope you can't help but patronise. You are one of those people that if someone actually has experience of something then you always have to know better even though you actually don't. I am pretty sure you haven't done a survey of who allows name changes in schools to come up with correcting me with the answer of "plenty do" so Correction straight back at you @ChloeDecker
Don't bother tagging me again as it doesn't work for me and I am hiding the thread as you will for ever go on and on with how much you know (even though u actually dont.) Better to be nipped in the bud now.
Adios

Just a thought but does your ex have any contact with the school? I have known parents refuse to let a child ‘drop’ a second surname and as they have PR there is nothing school can do.

"Correction " really!? confusedNope you can't help but patronise. You are one of those people that if someone actually has experience of something then you always have to know better even though you actually don't. I am pretty sure you haven't done a survey of who allows name changes in schools to come up with correcting me with the answer of "plenty do" so Correction straight back at you @ChloeDeckerconfused*
Don't bother tagging me again as it doesn't work for me and I am hiding the thread as you will for ever go on and on with how much you know (even though u actually dont.) Better to be nipped in the bud now.
Adiosgrin*

I haven’t technically tagged you once, ha ha! That’s ok though. Your post proves you have not understood my point and take offence at anything. My dear, you have done nothing wrong. Your experience is valid.
Doesn’t mean your schools have done nothing wrong though