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.
If you need help drafting a formal request to your child's school or GP, you can use our free Letter Builder.
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 NameYour 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 2018. 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]
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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.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
2. Here is a letter template to help you write to the school:
Your NameYour 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. The Department for Education guidance 'Understanding and dealing with issues relating to parental responsibility' (updated August 2023) also 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.
I have requested from the schools information about their educational development in addition to the fact that they send me an annual report.
I have requested further information but have been told that only the mother can give permission for me to have access to this area of information.
There is no indication of this on the Court Order. As such why are the Schools in contravention of these Court Orders.
Also the mother has with malice a forethought committed a criminal offence by lying to the police with false allegations against me and compounding them by furthering such false allegations against me on affidavit to support a non molestation order. She lied to the Court and maintained such maliciousness even though a finding of fact, in the balance of probabilities found her allegations groundless and were not even mentioned in any Court Order . The Local Authority SS public servant perverted the course of justice by perjurying herself similarly.
My two children are being psychologically terrorised by parental alienation with children (x2) resting contact.
CAB told me l have no recourse as the Police knew she was lying to them originally but took no action. Do l wrote to the Office of Public Prosecutions requesting a review of this under whatever legislation is available or just believe we are living user ISIS law in the Middle East?
My family and l are horrified that a woman who has stolen the family children and family assets, perverted the course of justice and psychological enslaved the two boys into such hotility of crc against the paternal family when prior the children knew that the family were separating and of their own volition wanted full association with their father and family. Now their lives have been detroyed by a mother who has been recognised as a closet narcissist.
What should l do? I am parentally responsible for protecting my children but currently the law is allowing an abuser continue to abuse two minor children.
I have two dependent children aged 10yrs and 13yrs who currently live with my ex and her fiance in the matrimonial home.
In Dec 2014 the court ordered that the home be sold if my ex did not want to buy me out. The property is jointly mortgaged.
She has recently moved out and it seems renting the property completely ignoring the order.
Can I regain occupancy of the property as I am struggling to afford my rent as the mortgage on the matrimonial home is interest only at £125.00 pcm? and if so how?
Ask Separated Dads a question
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