How do I access pupil records?

[KOKOagainandagain]

DS is undergoing SA at present and as in year 6 will have left the school before we get the outcome. I want to get hold of his records before he leaves. Is there a pro forma letter? Do I have to be going to tribunal for this right to kick in? Will I receive copies from his present school or the 2 previous schools he attended or do I need to request copies separetely (and do they keep copies of files of ex-pupils)?

Sorry for all the questions

You can use the wording from p.16 on Ipsea's Refusal to assess pack. No need for the bit about appealing, you can make the request at any time even if you're not in a tribunal situation.

It's a good idea to get the records before he leaves, records often tend to go missing once a child has left. It's probably best to make separate requests to all the different schools. The previous ones might have been good enough to forward information to the current school, but you can't rely on that.

You could also think about making requests to the LA, who will hold different information from the school, and any NHS bodies (GP, CAMHS, SALT) as well - you can make these requests under the Data Protection Act and they can take up to 40 days.

They can charge up to a set amount for photocopying but it can be very useful evidence so I think it's worth it.

School Records
How can I find out what the school has on file about my child, and how can I change it if it's wrong?

Parents have a right to see their child's school records and can write to the Chair of Governors and ask for a copy, which the school must provide within 15 school days. The school can charge a fee for copying, but charges must be limited to a maximum of £1 for the first 20 pages, plus a further £1 for every subsequent 10 pages, up to a maximum of £50. To avoid the charges, parents can inspect their child's school record at the school instead. The records must also be made available for inspection within 15 school days of receipt of the parent's written request to the governors.

The school should hold two types of record about pupils (and it is not necessary to specify which you would like). The curricular record should include details of the childs academic achievements, along with his or her other skills, abilities and his or her progress in school. The educational record is more general and will consist of any information held by the governing body or teachers at the school, other than information held by a teacher solely for the teachers own use. If, for example, the child has a statement of special educational needs or a Personal Education Plan, these will form part of the educational record.

There are some things which the school is not required to disclose, for example anything which would be likely to cause serious harm to the physical or mental health of the child or of anyone else and information which also related to another person who can be identified.

Under s7 of the Data Protection Act 1998 pupils, and parents acting on their behalf, are entitled to be given a description of the personal data which makes up the record, together with details of the purposes for keeping the information and, where known, the sources of the information, and the individuals or organisations to which the data may have been disclosed.

If you are refused access to the records or your request for a correction is refused you can refer the matter to the Information Commissioner who enforces and oversees the Act.

Many thanks to both of you - I spent hours googling as I could remember seeing a letter - I even searched within the IPSEA site and couldn't find it. I'll make the other requests whilst I'm at it. This board (and its members) is by far the best resource - I am constantly amazed at the detail of the knowledge you have acquired and will be forever grateful.

you might have to get them from the new school if they don't keep them for ex pupils - as long as they know which school he is going to they are supposed to send the records to the new school

Where a pupil transfers from one school to another the head teacher must send prescribed information about the pupil's educational achievements to the head teacher of the new school - this includes' the child's educational record -under the Education (Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2005 SI 2005 no 1437 - no later than fifteen school days after the day on which the pupil ceases to be registered at the old school.

NotOnUrNelly - noted - thanks - added a paragraph to make it clear that I expect existing school to have access to pre-transfer records - head/senco is a lazy and devious bastard who takes advantage of my ignorance of day to day procedure by making it up as he goes along/telling lies!

I also would like a copy of DDs school records. Who would I put the request in writing to . . Current school (2 days left) or High School (September)

Chair of the BOG of current school methinks.

Have you got the KS2 SATs results yet - I am still waiting!

The KS2 SATS were released on the 10th and my DS school handed them out on the 11th! I can't believe you're still waiting, I hope you get them soon x

Still waiting here too, as well as for the reports and they break up tomorrow!!! So much for giving us time to feedback!