File Returns is a secure link between your school and the Local Authority (LA) or Organisation. You can upload and send documents directly, knowing they cannot be accessed by anyone without authorisation.
Not all LAs or Organisations subscribe to this module, so this option may not be available in your account.
Permissions
Any user with the Documents > Action permission can send and view files.
This permission is granted by the headteacher.
For more information, see our Permissions Guide.
Accessing File Returns
Click LA on your main Perspective toolbar.
Select File Returns.
Responding to a File Request
Your Local Authority can issue targeted file requests.
Each request will display the issue date, deadline, and status.
If multiple requests are available, use the filters at the top of the page.
Click the Info icon to view a description of the request (if provided by your LA).
Submitting Files
Click Upload & Send.
Browse or drag and drop the file.
(Optional) Add comments or context in the Comment box.
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If an Expected File Type is set, only that file type will be accepted.
If the wrong type is selected, an error message will appear.
You can upload multiple files at once, or send a zipped folder (if the request allows zip files).
Click Confirm & Send File.
Please note: If you need to upload multiple files, make sure they are saved in the same folder and select them together before uploading. If the files are saved in different folders, you may wish to zip them first, if zip files are accepted for the request. Once a file has been uploaded, you cannot add more files to the same submission. To include additional files, you will need to remove the uploaded file and start the upload again.
Once sent, the file will be marked as Submitted.
When the LA closes the request, it disappears from your dashboard (unless you filter for closed requests).
Your school may also be removed from a request by the LA, in which case the request will no longer be visible in Perspective.
Sending a Standalone File
If you need to send a file outside of a formal request:
Go to File Returns > Standalone Files tab.
Click Send Standalone File.
Browse or drag and drop your file.
Add a comment if needed.
Click Confirm & Send File.
The LA will then be able to download the file.
Once downloaded, the Received On and Received By fields in your dashboard update automatically.
Recall Option
You can recall a file only if it has not yet been received by the LA.
Once received, recall is no longer available.
File Retention
Sent files remain in the system for 30 days and can be downloaded from the file name link.
After 30 days, the file is removed, but details remain visible in the Files Previously Sent table.
Rejected Files
The LA can reject a file if it does not meet their requirements.
The file status will change to Rejected, and the sender will receive an email.
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To resolve:
Click Replace File.
Review the rejection reason (visible when replacing the file or by hovering over the Info icon).
Upload the corrected file.