A parent/carer does not have an automatic right to information held about their child. The right belongs to the child however in some circumstances the parent/carer can act on the child’s behalf, providing the person making the request has Parental rights and responsibilities. Once the child reaches sufficient maturity, the child can exercise their own right, and the parent/carer must act with the child’s consent.

In England, the age at which the child reaches sufficient maturity is judged to be the age of 12, but this may vary according to factors particular to that child.

To ask to see information held about your child by us you will need to:

  • Ask us in writing for each child
  • Give us proof of who you are as the parent or carer
  • Give us proof of who your child is including proof of parental rights and responsibilities.
  • Give us as much detail as you can to help us find the information about your child more quickly

You can provide copies of documents by using the ‘Upload file’ link on the form below.

Using AI to help draft information requests

AI tools can be helpful. However, AI tools can make mistakes or create requests that are longer and more complex than needed. This increases the burden on public bodies and cost to the taxpayer.

Before you send a request for information or follow-up message, please check that:

  • You are asking only for the information you need.
  • The request is clear, concise and focused.
  • Any references to legislation or organisations are correct
  • There are no factual errors.
  • The tone is appropriate.

Don't assume that AI-generated content is always correct. If it mentions something you don’t understand, check what it is.

Avoid delays when using AI

We receive some requests and follow-up messages that look like they have been drafted by AI.

We may need to clarify these requests if they are:

  • very complex
  • unclear
  • inaccurate

This can delay our response and you may need to wait longer before receiving the information you need.

A clear and focused request helps us process your enquiry quickly and accurately.

Make a subject access request about your child

  Ask to see information we hold about you (subject access request)

What happens next

We will write and tell you we have received your request. We may also ask you for more details to help us find the information you are interested in.

We will respond to you within 1 month of receiving your request. However, we may extend the deadline by a further 2 months where necessary, for example where the request is complex.

If you are not happy with our response or how we dealt with your request, you can ask the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to investigate. They also give advice on raising a concern with an organisation.