Complaints about schools

If you have any concerns about your child's education it can usually best be settled by making an appointment to talk to a member of the school staff or the Head Teacher. However, there may be occasions when you want to make a complaint about the school.

The Local Authority encourages parents to resolve complaints directly with schools through the school's complaints procedure. You can ask the school for a copy of their complaints policy or see if there is a copy on the school's website.

If you have made a complaint to the headteacher, but you are not satisfied with the response, you can complain to the governing body.


Complaints to the Governing Body

This is likely to involve completing a complaint form or writing a letter to the chair of the school governing body.

You should make clear:

• why you are complaining
• who you have spoken to already
• what you want to happen as a result of your complaint

The chair of governors should arrange for your complaint to be considered and investigated under the arrangements approved by the governors. This is likely to involve a panel of governors appointed to act on behalf of the governing body.

Read the DfES School Complaints Procedure for more information.