The Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides public access to information held by public authorities. The Act covers any recorded information that is held by a public authority. Recorded information includes printed documents, computer files, letters, emails, photographs and sound or video recordings. The Act does not give people access to their own personal data (information about themselves) such as their health records or credit reference file.

How to make an FOI request

You must make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request in writing. You can do it by:

• letter
• email

If you cannot make your request in writing because of a disability, contact the local authority. They should help you to make the request another way - for example over the phone.

What to include

You should give:

• your name
• a contact postal or email address
• a detailed description of the information you want - for example, you might want all information held on a subject, or just a summary

You can ask for information in a particular format, such as:

• paper or electronic copies of information
• audio format
• large print

Before you make a request

You might not need to make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request if the school has:

• already published the information
• previously responded to an FOI request

You can also email or phone the school to ask if they’ve already published the information or responded to an FOI request in the past.

When will I get a response

The school will reply to your request within 20 school days or 60 working days (if that is sooner) of receiving your request. Schools are allowed more time during school holidays, when emails and post are not dealt with on a daily basis.

The school will tell you when to expect the information if they need more time.

When your information will be shared

If you’ve sent an FOI request which covers several departments, we may share your name and request between those departments. This is to help deal with your enquiry more effectively.

No other details will be shared and your information will not be used for any other purpose.

Costs

Most requests are free but you might be asked to pay a small amount for photocopies or postage. The school will advise you if you have to pay anything.

Any request under the Freedom of Information Act should be addressed to Mr Nick Elliott, Headteacher, 174 Molesey Road, Hersham, Surrey, KT12 4QY.

Email: nelliott@nessss.surrey.sch.uk

The school's Data Protection Officer is

Data Protection Education

Telephone: 0800 0862018

Email: dpo@dataprotection.education