Can I request a copy of my daughter's school record? (3rd yr Secondary Scotland)

[PancyFants]

Just that really. My DD was involved in an incident in school and it came the light last week that the headteacher (when investigating a related ongoing issue) had no idea about it despite police involvement.

I have a meeting at school this week can I request to see what they have on file for my dd?

.

Assuming it is a state school then yes you can make a Subject Access Request under the Data Protection Act.

Brilliant thanks, yes ordinary state school. I'll do that today I think in advance of the meeting. Although I assume they won't have to respond straight away.

I have been told there are 2 files, a thinner one for parents to be shown and a thicker one which contains all information that the school don't really like parents to see and assume don't know about.
My teacher friend requested her son's file when he started Y7 and it took 18 months to get hold of it, and that was only when she made the point that she was a teacher herself and knew that there were 2 files held.

I guess that makes sense. Not really sure what I'm expecting really. I'll see how the meeting goes and take it from there. Thanks

The only children in my school with 2 files are those who are on the SEND register, they have a SEND file which has copies of assessments, IEPs, notes of meetings etc together with the normal personal file which has entry documents, copies of reports, letters regarding behaviour etc. Most children just have the one file.

All organisations holding personal data have to respond to a subject access request, not just state schools. Depending on the age of your child, she might have to make the request herself rather than you do it on her behalf. The school has to provide all information they hold about her within 40 days however they can withhold any information that relates to, or might identify, another person. They may also redact documents if they mention another person.

There is seperate legislation which gives a right to see school records within 15 school days however there are more limits under this legislation and the cost cap is higher.

If the school incident you mentioned involves another child then documents relating to this may be exempted.