Subject access request to LEA: Aibu to worry I have put my big stupid foot in it?

[Whats4Dinner]

Have I put my big foot in it by requesting a subject access request about my child?

Bumbling through the SEN system, as a single mum without adults to consult, and I have put a subject access request in to the Local education authority. This morning I came across an article saying that if you put in a SAR, you are likely to read unpleasant things about yourself and your relationship with LEA&school will never be the same again.

I have a child who has autism and is school avoidant. I do want to collaborate and have a good working relationship with these people.

Have I put my big foot in it or are they likely to take it on the chin & deal with it professionally? I felt there was a total lack of transparency.

You haven’t put your foot in it. It’s unlikely they’ll bat an eyelid. Often people submit a SAR to get evidence for a medical report or a court case etc and it has nothing to do with the actual organisation you’re requesting information from.

I think the need to understand what is going on is often why these are submitted. You may read stuff about yourself that is not flattering but that is because Data Protection law doesn't allow for an embarrassment exemption. I submitted one to my DD's school and saw that DD's friend's Mum had declared that my DD had probably taught her a swear word, they were 7 and it transpired that it was not my DD at all (DD is shy) and but a boy in this incident. Anyway, the girls are best friends now 5 years later so I think I'll get over it. They had redacted the girl's name but I had deduced her identity from what they had left in. I work as a data protection consultant and it was a terrible effort in redacting for SARs. The only problem I found is her secondary school haven't provided an explanation for the marking schemes and under DP law this should be explained. I am trying to establish what help we need to provide DD way before year 11 GCSES.

Thank you! There is a real lack of transparency so I am keen to understand wtf is going on.