Freedom of Information
Openness, transparency and accountability at Sacred Heart.
Our commitment to openness
Sacred Heart RC Primary School is committed to openness and transparency. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives members of the public the right to request recorded information held by public authorities, including maintained schools.
We routinely publish a wide range of information on this website. We adopt the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) Model Publication Scheme, supported by our own Guide to Information and Schedule of Fees.
Publication Scheme and Documents
The publication scheme is maintained under section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. These documents explain the information we make available and how to obtain it.
ICO Model Publication Scheme
The official ICO publication scheme, adopted by Sacred Heart without modification. It describes the categories of information that public authorities routinely publish.
Sacred Heart Guide to Information and Schedule of Fees
Our school-specific guide explains what information is available, where it can be found, how to request it and whether any charges may apply.
Information we make available
Sacred Heart's publication arrangements follow the seven information classes in the ICO Model Publication Scheme.
- Who we are and what we do — school information, governance, staffing and contact details.
- What we spend and how we spend it — relevant financial information and expenditure records.
- Our priorities and performance — school improvement priorities, inspection information and outcomes.
- How we make decisions — governance arrangements, meeting records and relevant decisions.
- Our policies and procedures — policies and arrangements governing the school's work.
- Lists and registers — information that the school is legally required or permitted to disclose.
- The services we offer — education, school facilities, support services and community information.
Information is provided subject to applicable exemptions, confidentiality, safeguarding requirements and data protection legislation.
Our published policies are available on the School Policies page.
Governing Board minutes
Approved, non-confidential minutes of Governing Board meetings, together with relevant agendas and papers where disclosable, are available for inspection at the school office by prior arrangement.
Electronic or paper copies may also be requested. Information may be redacted or withheld where permitted by law, including confidential personal information and safeguarding matters.
Please contact the school office to arrange an appointment or request copies. These arrangements do not limit statutory rights of access to eligible governance records.
Making a Freedom of Information request
If the information you require is not already available on our website or through the Publication Scheme, you may submit a Freedom of Information request.
- Make your request in writing. Provide your name, an address for correspondence and a description of the recorded information you would like to receive.
- Send your request to school. Address your request to the School Business Manager using the school office contact details below.
- We will coordinate a response. The School Business Manager coordinates requests, working with Global Policing, which handles FOI requests on the school's behalf, and with the Executive Headteacher where appropriate.
Contact details
School Business Manager
Sacred Heart RC Primary School
Central Drive, Westhoughton
Bolton BL5 3DU
Telephone: 01942 634681
Global Policing — Information Requests
Global Policing supports the school with Freedom of Information and data protection requests.
Response times: Schools normally respond to Freedom of Information requests within 20 school days or 60 working days, whichever is shorter, subject to the applicable statutory rules.
Some information may be exempt from disclosure. Where information is withheld, the school will explain the applicable grounds and provide information about review and complaint routes.
Charges and fees
Much of the information published on our website is available free of charge. Where a charge is permitted, it will be explained in advance and applied in accordance with the school's Schedule of Fees and relevant legislation.
Inspection of eligible records at the school office is normally free of charge. Reasonable copying or postage costs may apply where lawful. Any charge will be confirmed before information is supplied.
Data protection and personal information
Freedom of Information requests are different from requests to access personal information about yourself.
Requests for your own personal data are normally handled under data protection legislation as Subject Access Requests.
Global Policing acts as the school's Data Protection Officer and supports the school with information rights requests.
For privacy notices, personal information rights and the school's data protection arrangements, please visit our Data Protection page.
Accessibility and alternative formats
We want information to be accessible to everyone. If you need a document in an alternative accessible format, or require assistance locating information, please contact the school office.
Where practicable, information can be supplied electronically or in paper form. Requests for reasonable adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.