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Could someone please tell me if there is a way that I can find out if my son is in full time education? His mother and I split up in 2006 and she moved away. When the government changed the rules so that child maintenance payments did not affect other benefits received she contacted C.S.A. and started claiming maintenance. I was told that I would have to pay for him as long as he was in full time education. He turned 18 in December 2021 and when I contacted the C.S.A. to see if I still had to pay they said that they would find out if he was still in education by contacting the mother. As expected they said he was still in education but I have absolutely no proofs of any of this. If anyone could please give me an idea on how I can get some proof I would be very appreciative. Thank you all in advance.
Hi
Unfortunately there is no easy way of obtaining this especially as your child is now an adult.
If it was me I'd reply in writing to the CMS (or via portal) requesting that they provide a copy of the proof of further education that they have received or that they confirm that they do hold proof on file in case they are unwilling to disclose it. My letter to them would also be requesting that they confirm that they accept liability for any refunds should it transpire that your son is not in education and CMS should not have been paid.
All the best.
For anyone with the same issue, there is a petition on gov website to argue the case of claiming parents should provide proof of further education between 16-18. The link is;
https://petition.parliament.uk/signatures/133638100/signed
deadline is Sept 2023
Could someone please tell me if there is a way that I can find out if my son is in full time education? His mother and I split up in 2006 and she moved away. When the government changed the rules so that child maintenance payments did not affect other benefits received she contacted C.S.A. and started claiming maintenance. I was told that I would have to pay for him as long as he was in full time education. He turned 18 in December 2021 and when I contacted the C.S.A. to see if I still had to pay they said that they would find out if he was still in education by contacting the mother. As expected they said he was still in education but I have absolutely no proofs of any of this. If anyone could please give me an idea on how I can get some proof I would be very appreciative. Thank you all in advance.
If you have genuine cause for concern that your son is no longer in approved education, I would 'report a change' through the CMS' online portal and include a caveat (letter) that states you have reason to believe that he has left full-time education. You can also call them on 0800 171 2345.
Based on the CMS receiving your request, they will have to act. Your ex-partner will need to provide proof that he is still in approved education. The sooner you file your change request with the CMS, the sooner payments will stop if he has left school/college, etc.
Approved education (comprising CGSEs. A levels, AS levels, national diplomas, NVQS and apprenticeships and traineeships) should constitute education / training of, or average, 12 hours or more per week.
I hope this is of help.
Could someone please tell me if there is a way that I can find out if my son is in full time education? His mother and I split up in 2006 and she moved away. When the government changed the rules so that child maintenance payments did not affect other benefits received she contacted C.S.A. and started claiming maintenance. I was told that I would have to pay for him as long as he was in full time education. He turned 18 in December 2021 and when I contacted the C.S.A. to see if I still had to pay they said that they would find out if he was still in education by contacting the mother. As expected they said he was still in education but I have absolutely no proofs of any of this. If anyone could please give me an idea on how I can get some proof I would be very appreciative. Thank you all in advance.
You could also make a subject access request under the education regs. See ICO website:
https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/schools/pupils-info/#:~:text=Those%20with%20parental%20authority%20can,schoo l's%20governing%20body%20or%20teacher.
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