Dadtalk

School - help relating to bullying, special needs, holidays

School records

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 are capped and to avoid them you can ask to view the records onsite. 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 .

Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN)

A Statement of Special Educational Needs is a legally binding document that includes an Individual Education Plan for your child. A child with learning difficulties generally needs extra help at school. The school or nursery Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) will be involved in arranging and implementing the Education Plan. If you feel your child requires extra support at school, speak to the school or local authority and request an assessment. The Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) provides specific advice on this topic.

Holidays during term time

Only the head teacher can authorise any absence during term time, although he/she is expected to use his/her discretion sparingly. Government guidance is that 10 school days is normally the maximum allowed for holidays in term time. If you take the time without permission, the local education authority could take action against you.

Bullying

If your child is being bullied you will want to help them in any way possible. The first port of call is to contact the school and ensure they are aware of what is happening. The school should have a bullying policy and you can request a copy. Legal action should be the last resort, but Bullying UK provide some advice if you are considering this action.

ACE

The Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) is a national charity that provides independent advice for parents and carers of children aged 5-16 in state-funded education. ACE aims to provide the information, support and high-quality advice that parents need to help their children at school, particularly where there are problems. They offer free advice on many subjects like exclusion from school, bullying, special educational needs and school admission appeals.