[Solved] Right to know?

I don't think you do, unless you have any reason to think that you son is in any danger. In the same way, when he is with you, she doesn't have a right to know who you are taking him to see.

Sorry actd, I'm not sure that's entirely true. Although, I could be wrong!

It's a legal requirement for all Childminders to have every person with PR on record, for every child in their care. In the same way that everyone with PR has a right to be kept up to date with their childs progress by their school, it would be no different for an Early Years setting.

I would contact Ofsted, or even the mothers Local Education Authority, for advice and explain the situation. I'm certain they will be able to help you track down which Childminders your little one attends, as by Law, you should be on their records. Be ready to prove you hold PR with copies of your childs Birth Certificate though!

As you are currently going through court, this is something that you can address with them, without the need to contact OFSTED.

I would go with making the request in your PS...I think it's a valid point that he spends longer at the childminders, and you can suggest that you pick him up from there midweek in your PS too. If you're able you could suggest that you pick him up at lunchtime so that he can spend some quality time with you midweek.

I don't think the court would have a problem with you knowing who the child minder is and being involved with them, as you say, you have PR.

All the best

Hello all,

To update I contacted the local education authority who were unable to help because they only keep records of children over 2 ( free childcare) and ofsted who did say I have the right to know but do not have access to the records.

I have decided to write it in my next position statement stateing that I will ask for a specific issue order if needed, she is also withholding our sons doctors information.

Thanks for the help

it is perfectly reasonable for you to know where your son is spending his time & the court are very likely to agree with you, but I wouldn't go in there threatening SIO applications, it will only put the judge's back up and show you as being adversarial in my view.

I think it would be better to say that 'it is of concern that the mother refuses to share medical and educational information with me' etc etc & I'm sure the court will agree with you and reiterate PR to the mother.

Sorry actd, I'm not sure that's entirely true. Although, I could be wrong!

It's a legal requirement for all Childminders to have every person with PR on record, for every child in their care. In the same way that everyone with PR has a right to be kept up to date with their childs progress by their school, it would be no different for an Early Years setting.

I'll defer to your knowledge on this - I hadn't considered the legal requirements for childminders 🙂

Hello all,

I've attached the screenshot of the ofsted statutory requirements, if anyone is interested. Although nothing ofsted can do unless you know the name of the childminder

Yoda has a good point I think I should try the softly softly approach first, if nothing comes of it then I will apply further orders

Honestly, there will be a day when people will look back and say, did they really prevent dads from getting involved in their children’s education ?

There are a million reasons why it’s important for you to know who the childminder is, and the most important of all is, because that’s beneficial for your child. Having an engaged father who wants to get involved to further the child’s education ( not to bicker with the mother ) leads to better outcomes for that child. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have no right to know how your child is being educated.

Additionally, as part of the Early Years Foundation stage ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Years_Foundation_Stage ). the childminder is bound to write ocasional reports about your child’s educational progress. It’s absolutely vital that you get hold of these reports. It helps you getting to know your child better. It shows you care about your child’s education and want to be fully involved. Point out to the mother that children without 2 fully involved parents suffer worse outcomes, they earn less later in life, are more likely to divorce themselves, etc.

You are totally on the right side on this one, just keep it cool, be patient and I have no doubt you can turn this to your and your child’s advantage, by showing that you care and putting yourself forward in a reasonable way, you will be more likely to succeed in whatever else you ask of the court.

Best of luck!