Most concerns that parents have can be discussed with the relevant teacher. In a primary school this is likely to be the class teacher, in a secondary school this would normally be the head of year.

If the teacher cannot help with your concern or you are dissatisfied with their response, you should then approach the headteacher. You can put the complaint in writing to the headteacher or arrange a meeting through the school office.

If your complaint is not resolved at this stage you should then approach the governing body of the school who are required to have a complaints procedure. The governing body may need to convene a meeting to discuss the issue, which you will be invited to. You can put your complaint in writing and forward it to the school marked 'Private' and for the attention of the Chair of Governors.

Governing bodies of all community schools have a legal obligation to have a complaints procedure in place and for the procedure to be publicised.

After this stage

If after this stage you are still not satisfied with the way the school has dealt with the complaint, you can contact the Local Authority. We can offer mediation,  which can be used to help bring the parties together with a view to the resolution of the complaint and/or to agree a way forward in establishing a future relationship between the parent and the school.

Please contact us if you have a complaint that has been already been considered by the governing body of the school, or you would like further help or advice.