requesting school files, is school acting illegally?

[Starchart]

I requested all files pertaining to ds, to be provided within 15 school days the school said there is a lot so am I sure and that it will cost £50.

They said upon confirmation and payment they will then send it with 15 days from then but I think what they are doing is illegal. I think it should still be 15 days and that I was clear I meant everything.

Am I right?

Bump?

No, the countdown starts from when they have received the fee and all the information they need pertaining to the request.

I had loads of info copied when I requested DS's records. I think when there is a lot of paperwork to copy schools are conscious of the time/manpower it takes, which may perhaps be why they are querying if you want everything.

I also had to pay just under £50, I paid when I collected the papers, not before. The 15 days starts when you hand the letter in.

Did you leave enough time before the holidays?

www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1437/regulation/5/made

(3) Subject to paragraph (4), the governing body shall provide a copy of a pupil?s educational record to the parent, on payment of such fee (not exceeding the cost of supply), if any, as the governing body may prescribe, within fifteen school days of receipt of the parent?s written request for a copy of that record.

Updated April 2011

www.education.gov.uk/b0065507/gttl/providing-information/parents/requests

42. The governing body is responsible for making available a pupil?s educational record to his or her parents, free of charge, within 15 school days of receipt of the parent?s written request. If parents make a written request for a copy of the record, this must be provided to them, also within 15 school days of that request being received. The governing body can charge a fee for the copy, but if it does this, it must not be more than the cost of supply. The educational record should include the curricular record, but also other information about the pupil that may be kept by the school, such as details of behaviour and family background.

"Requests for information from pupils, or parents, for information that contains, wholly
or partly, an educational record must receive a response within 15 school days.

Unless a parent simply asks to see the official educational record under the
Regulations, schools and authorities are entitled to receive any fee first (see below)"

ICO guidance to schools

It makes sense that they don't start any work until you've handed over the money. What if they photocopy a load of stuff then you say you've changed your mind?

Thank you.