Has anyone had the proposed or final statement sent by email as well as a hard copy?

[nappyaddict]

I have requested an electronic copy as well because it will take a lot less time for me to compare it to the old one and write underneath what I want changed.

However my LA reckons they can't because of data protections, but I'm sure I've seen on here people who have had a copy emailed to them.

I have. The initial response was similar to yours, and that they would need to check with their senior manager.

I think some LAs send electronic copies as a matter of course.

I have had both.

I did but I had a code sent by email separately so I (and no one else) could access it.

yes I did.

I had to write to my case officer, stating that we were happy for info to be shared in this way for this, and for any future documents (you can but hope...)

the initial response was that it was against data protection, which is why we wrote giving specific permission.

Some leas will send out the bulk of the statement (ie all except the front page with identifying details: name, address etc) by email. You could ask if they will do this?

Mine did because they were already in breach of the deadline and the office printer wasn't working. The hard copy followed a few days later.

My LA sent it by email. It was password protected. They sent the password separately.
I did have to push them though and they had to refer it to "The Manager"

I am already dealing with the head of the SEN team. How do they send a password protected email?

Data protection Law per se is not relevant as the Data Protection Act applies to structured records /filing systems/databases - not to single documents - though they could just use the term to apply to general privacy worries.

nappyaddict - perhaps the document itself was protected? - (you can hide parts of documents or prevent people from editing them by "protecting" them. Though it wasn't as secure as ppl used to think at one time, but maybe it is more secure nowadays.

The Statement was a Word document, sent as an attachment. When you click on it to open it, it asks for a password. I'm sure that the IT resources of a LA would be able to password protect a document!

They have told me they are not able to password protect it. If Data protection law is not relevant can I insist they send me an electronic copy as well?

Also she is the SEN Team Manager. Is there anyone higher up above that?

Head of SEN? Head of the Children's Department? Chief Exec? Local Councillor responsible for education?

Ask them to quote which part of the Data Protection Act it would breach to email it to you!

Is SEN manger different to Head of SEN?