Writing to Your Child's School or GP for Information: A Template

Unfortunately, some fathers find it really difficult to be able to obtain medical and education information about their child, either from the resident mother or the professionals involved. If you have spoken to the mother of your child and not got any further, the first step is to put a request in writing to the relevant professionals and see if that improves the situation. Here are two templates to help you contact your child's medical practioner and school.

Medical Information

For information about your child’s health, you should contact your doctor directly, explaining that you are a parent who has the right to your child’s health information. If you are refused the information at first instance, ask the practitioner for information on how to make a complaint, or speak to the General Practice Manager.

1. Here is a letter template to help you write to your GP:

Your Name
Your Address

Name of GP Practice
Practice Address

Today's date

Dear [INSERT GP'S NAME]

My child [INSERT CHILD’S NAME] is currently registered at your practice. She/he lives with their mother at [INSERT CHILD’S RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS].

I request that you notify me of any important medical information relating to my child, whether via telephone or in writing and using the contact details I have supplied above. I understand and acknowledge that you may require proof of Parental Responsibility, and have therefore enclosed proof for your records.

I am making this request under the Data Protection Act 1998. I am sure that you are also aware of the Guidance on Good Practice by the General Medical Council, in particular paragraph 55, which states that:

“Divorce or separation does not affect parental responsibility and you should allow both parents reasonable access to their children's health records.”

Please ensure that my contact details are placed on my child’s medical records and that I am contacted in the event of anything prominent, such as allergies, serious conditions, dietary requirements etc. I am making this request in the interests of my child and his/her wellbeing.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Please do not hesitate to contact me on the above telephone number, should you require further assistance.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Schools and Education

It is essential that you get the same information about your child from their school as the mother. To ensure this, contact your child’s school being pleasant but firm, and explain that you, as a parent, are entitled to the same information to be sent to you as well as the child’s mother.

2. Here is a letter template to help you write to the school:

Your Name
Your Address

Name of Head Teacher
School Name and Address

Today's date

Dear [INSERT HEADTEACHER NAME]

My child [INSERT CHILD’S NAME] attends [SCHOOL NAME] and is currently in [INSERT CHILD’S CLASS NUMBER AND TEACHER (if known)]. She/he lives with their mother at [INSERT CHILD’S RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS].

I ask that you please notify me of:

• Any parents' evenings or other events that parents are invited to, such as plays and sports days
• Any activities where parental consent is required
• Any reports or records of my child’s performance
• Any concerns you may have about [CHILD'S NAME]
• Any other important matters

Under the Education Act 1996, biological parents and those with parental responsibility are within their rights to receive the same information as the mother. There is also a Government leaflet (DfEE 0092/2000) entitled ‘The Schools, Parents and Parental Responsibility’, which confirms this.

I am keen to support my child in his/her education.

Many thanks in advance for your cooperation and I look forward to hearing from you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Points to Remember

Make sure that you do enclose proof of your parental responsibility and that you also make a copy of everything that you send for your own records.