[Solved] How do you implement your Parental rights ?

Hello kennymac,

Even if a mother will not communicate with a father regarding their children, if the father has P.R. he has the right to be informed and attend events at the school such as parents evenings, sport day, plays e.t.c. and also to enquire as to the academic progress of their child. It would be necessary to initially approach the head teacher to make your situation known.

Regarding the health of your child, the same applies. Proof of P.R. would be required and an appointment made with the practice manager of the medical centre your child is registered with. Once this is done you have the right to make an appointment with your child's G.P. if you have any health concerns you wish to discuss. You can also request your child's medical records, however, a fee would be charged for this which can vary from surgery to surgery.

Obviously if the parents are not on good terms with one another it could inflame an already delicate situation if the mother is aware of your involvement particularly at the school. It should be different at a G.P. surgery as strict confidentiality should be adhered to.

Ideally parents should be united and agree to amicably discuss their child's education and health to make joint decisions in the best interests of their child/ren but this does not always happen.

It's certainly not a breach to see your kids at school outside of child arrangments ,a contact order is a work to by both parents how ever special days like bdays ,sports day,Easter holidays e.g is normal practice for both parents to work for the same of the kids ,no breach tho!your his dad and it's not a contact day it's just your turning up not at your ex's house but the school

Hello kennymac,

I didn't realize when sending my previous message that you had a Court Order to see your children unsupervised at a Contact Centre. I am pleased "contact is going brilliant....." That being the case I can well see how cautious you must be and not jeopardize what has been achieved.

I personally would take guidance from your solicitor, be patient and wait until reports from the Contact Centre are forwarded to the Judge dealing with your case. When you no longer have to attend the Contact Centre and the Judge increases independent contact, I believe that would be the time you could confidently attend school events.

You do not and must not do anything which would be detrimental to your case. The effort and progress you are making with contact now, will afford you the freedom to enjoy your children even more in the near future if you accept the do's and don'ts of the present situation.

In short, I don't know the answer to your question with regards to attending school events at present. Naturally the children are going to approach you if you did attend and with the Court Order stipulating contact must be at a Contact Centre, I would take heed of the advice your solicitor gives you.

KMac

I echo the previous advice - speak with your solicitor - to ensure you don't fall foul of anything that would stop you seeing the kids outide of the contact center

Regarding having any input as to your kids schooling, you should be consulted however she can pretty much do what she wants even changing schools etc... as she is the primary carer....it's not right and not fair that you shouldn't be asked what you think....however if you can't talk togther then not much you can do about it.

i'm in same boat....my ex does everything unilatterally....i don't get asked or told about it unitl it happens.

Regarding access to School and Medical records you have every right with having PR to get to know.
approach school head and explain the situation, they'll need proof of who you are and that you are allowed contact with the kids - i'd take birth certificates and court order showing contact agreed.
same goes for the doctors....if either refuse or mess you about then aproach their bosses - area education authority or area health authority etc... if no joy raise a complaint in their complaints system, they will then resolve it......they did with me!

good luck

Hi

There is some sound advice being given on this thread but I am in the same position with my ex. So I understand
It cost just ten pounds to view medical records , you just need to fill the right form in.
As with school yearly reports , this is what I get although they can do half yearly. You could get school to see you separately away from the children or at a parents evening ( one for mum and one for dad )

The school is you first point of contact for any information , they should not refuse you

Hope that helps