How do I go about seeing file held by SENCO on dd?

[mediumbubba]

I presume that because of freedom of information I can ask to see it. Can I see all of it? Does the SENCO need to be given notice? Any advice on how to ask for this without appearing to be bolshy?

There's a model letter on page 16 in IPSEA's refusal to assess pack. You can delete the bit about it being for a SEND appeal if that's not relevant to you.

Make the request in writing, it's your right to see these records and you don't have to explain why you want them. But don't be afraid to be bolshy either, if your DD has SEN then you'll need to be!

Thank you Mugglepuggle. I am due to meet with SENCO in May. I presume I can't just ask her then. To be honest I'd like to catch her off guard as I feel she's not been entirely truthful with me.

There is a specific reason I want to do this. I have signed a form giving permission for an Ed Psych to observe dd. I' m happy for observation to have taken place . However I've been told by school that the 'reason for observation box' on the form did not need to be filled in. In retrospect that seems a bit dodgy to me. I think they may have filled that section in after I signed it because they didn't want me to see the reason and refuse to sign.
If her records are sent to me, will that form be included?

You could ask in May, but if you sent the letter now, the school has 15 days to produce the file so you'd get it before the meeting. I think it's always better to do things in writing as then you have a paper trail and proof of your request.

You can make specific mention of the permission form in your request. Schools tend to be quite variable in what they include in the educational file, some things are kept separately with the SENCO and not kept with the main file so it might not be in there unless you specifically request it.

You are officially required to give 2 weeks notice. They can withhold information if they think it is not in your interest to see it , however, they have to let you know that they have removed items from the folder ... they don't have to tell you what they are though. I have been through this process myself. Most SENCO's would have nothing to hide. I would ask them outright why the box was left empty in writing/email. Good luck!