I refer to your recent request for information below.

During 2009, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) claimed that two related campaigns were being conducted.

1. A campaign to vilify Graham Badman, author of a report into

home education.

2. A campaign to inundate the DCSF with Freedom of Information

requests.

Recent comments by a senior official in the DCSF suggested that these alleged campaigns might have spread to include local authorities.

I would like you to provide me with the following information.

First, please confirm whether or not you have observed these alleged campaigns.

Second, please confirm whether or not you have exchanged any correspondence with the DCSF regarding these alleged campaigns.

Finally, if you have exchanged correspondence with the DCSF on this issue then please provide me with copies of that correspondence.

In response to your request I can advise that we have observed no such campaigns and have not exchanged any correspondence with the DCSF on this matter.

I hope this answers your questions sufficiently, however if you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request or wish to make a complaint or appeal against any decision we have made in response to your request you should write in the first instance to David Sackfield by e-mail [email address] or via the following address:

Head of Business Support & Information Management
ICT Services

Salford City Council

Chorley Road

Civic Centre

Swinton

M27 5DA

Guidance on how to make a formal appeal against a decision under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is also available on our web site at www.salford.gov.uk.

Should you continue to disagree with the decision following the appeal you may wish to contact the Office of the Information Commissioner at:-

Wycliffe House,

Water Lane,

Wilmslow,

Cheshire,

SK9 5AF

www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk

Telephone: 08456 30 60 60 or 01625 54 57 45

Fax : 01625 524510