What is a disclosure request

A Subject Access Request (SAR) is your legal right under UK GDPR to request a copy of all the personal data an organisation holds about you or your child. In SEND cases, SARs to local authorities and schools can reveal crucial information — internal notes, case records, professional advice that was not shared with you, and correspondence you were not party to.

When to make a disclosure request

SARs are most useful when:

• You suspect the LA has information about your child's case that has not been shared with you
• You are preparing for a tribunal and want to understand the LA's full file
• You have been told a decision was made for a particular reason and want to see the supporting documentation
• You want to understand what professional advice the LA received during an EHCP assessment

In SEND disputes, SARs frequently reveal internal LA assessments, communications between officers, and professional advice that contradicts what the LA told you.

Your rights

Under UK GDPR, organisations must:

• Respond to a SAR within one calendar month
• Provide the data free of charge (in most cases)
• Explain clearly if they are withholding any data and on what basis

You can make a SAR to:

• The local authority (for EHCP case records, communications, and professional advice)
• Your child's school (for SENCO records, school reports, and internal case notes)
• NHS trusts and health professionals (for medical records)
• Any other organisation that holds personal data about your child

Types of disclosure requests in the app

The Disclosures section lets you track:

Subject Access Requests — formal SARs under UK GDPR to any organisation.

Freedom of Information requests — requests to public bodies for information that is not personal data (e.g. LA policies, budget data, staffing information).

Tribunal disclosure — documents disclosed as part of a formal tribunal process (governed by the Tribunal's case management directions rather than UK GDPR).