Every child must be in education up to the age of 16. However, as a parent, you should know your rights and the procedures you can take regarding your child’s education.

It’s essential to understand this, so you can take the appropriate action when needed.

According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act 1974, parents have a legal right over the child regarding education and requiring information.

At the end of each year, schools must give you a written report on your child. If this is not obtained, you can ask for a copy of your child’s school record at any time.

Schools will have 45 days to honour your request. If you feel like you are not happy with the school and your child’s education, may that be any internal issues, and you wish to file a complaint, you have a right to write to the public service.

This is done by contacting the school and asking the school for a copy of its complaint’s procedure. Not all children in school have a good experience. As much as we’d love for it to not be the case, many kids face internal issues within the school, such as bullying, discrimination, or a lack of support.

If you feel like this is the case, parents or eligible students have the legal right to request that a school corrects records that they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. For example, a school bullying situation that has been interpreted wrong or is seen as biased.

If the school refuses, then you have the right to take them to a formal hearing.

As a parent, it is hard to be aware of what happens inside a school, but it’s your responsibility to take action when you get any information that you feel is not right.

This is how we can make sure that we protect our children and the rest of the community.

The Equality Act 2010 protects you and gives you the right to fight injustice.

The Coram Children’s Legal Centre has useful information on how to complain to a school if you need that extra guidance.