Knowing your rights as a parent or carer
You do not need to be aggressive to advocate for your child. Knowing your rights, keeping records and asking clear questions in writing is usually the most powerful approach.
Your rights include
- The right to be involved in decisions about your child's education and support.
- The right to ask the local authority for an needs assessment.
- The right to receive a copy of your child's support plan or and to comment on drafts.
- The right to express a preference for the school named on an .
- The right to appeal to the Tribunal against certain local authority decisions.
- The right to reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.
- The right to be told in writing about exclusions and to make representations.
Practical advice
- Put important requests in writing (email is fine) so there is a record.
- Send a polite follow-up summary after meetings.
- Keep a folder (paper or digital) of reports, letters and emails.
- Ask for policies — behaviour, , exclusions, attendance.
- Use , -style resources and local parent-carer forums for free support.
Helpful phrase
"Please can we confirm in writing what has been agreed today, who is responsible for each action, and when we will review it?"
Key message
You are not being difficult by asking for your child's needs to be understood, recorded and met.