School appeals, term-time leave, school records and SEND in England

For a parent in England, Wales or Scotland whose child has been off school ill and whose school asks for a note. A short letter to the school giving the dates of the absence and the day you first told the school, and asking for it to be recorded as authorised absence for illness. It does not describe the illness. In England statutory guidance says schools should not routinely ask for medical evidence. Handed in or emailed. Sold blank, to complete by hand, as it holds health data DocMuse does not collect.

For a parent anywhere in the UK who wants a grandparent, a childminder, a friend or another adult to collect their child from school. A signed letter to the school naming each person allowed to collect the child, when the authorisation applies, and how they will prove who they are, which stays in force until you withdraw it in writing. Handed in at the school office. Many schools have their own collection form or app; use it first if yours does.

For a parent in England who wants to see, or have a copy of, their child's educational record held by a school. A request under regulation 5 of the Education (Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2005: the governing body of a council-maintained school must let you see it free and give you a copy, at no more than the cost of supply, within 15 school days. For an academy or free school, the letter asks for the same information under the UK GDPR instead. Sent by email or handed in at the school office.

For a parent in England who believes their child has, or may have, special educational needs that the school cannot meet from its own resources. A request to the council under section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014 for an education, health and care needs assessment: it sets out your reasons and evidence, and asks for the decision within six weeks and for your appeal rights if the council refuses. Posted first class; many councils also have a free online form. Sold blank, to complete by hand, as it holds a child's health data.

For a parent in England who needs their child to miss school days in term time. A request to the head teacher under regulation 11 of the School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024: it gives the dates and the day of return, explains the circumstances you believe are exceptional, and asks for a written decision before the leave starts. Leave is granted only in exceptional circumstances, and unauthorised absence can lead to a penalty notice of £80 per parent per child, £160 if paid after 21 days. Sent by email or handed in well in advance.

For a parent in England whose child has been refused a place at a school they applied for, in the normal admissions round or during the school year. An appeal under section 94 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and the School Admission Appeals Code 2022, to the clerk of the independent appeal panel: it identifies the decision, sets out your grounds, asks for the place and for the hearing papers in good time. Posted first class, with the decision letter and your evidence; many councils also take appeals online.