Greatham
Church of England Primary School

Complaints and Conciliation Procedures for

Greatham Church of England Primary School

If a parent has a complaint against a member of staff or school procedures it would be most helpful to school and beneficial to the parent if the following procedures could be followed.

In the first instance

(a)   If the complaint is against a member of staff the parent should make an appointment with that member of staff so that the complaint can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.  Parents should avoid approaching teachers at the beginning of the day or at the end of the day before children are dismissed.  This is so that the teacher can give the parent their full attention.  When children are present the teacher’s main function is to teach.  If having seen a teacher the parent is still not satisfied with the outcome they are asked to put their complaint in writing and address it to the Headteacher.  The complaint will then be dealt with as in (b) below.

(b)     If the complaint is of a serious nature parents may wish to see the Headteacher rather than the class teacher.  All complaints will be dealt with openly and thoroughly.

The Headteacher will investigate the complaint and will undertake to give a written account to the parent within 48 hours, detailing findings of the investigation and action to be taken.  Complainants will be invited into school to discuss the findings.  In the event that they are still unhappy the Chair of Governors will make himself available in school for the parent to see.

If the school solution is unsatisfactory

Parents have the right to complain directly to the Education Authority who will fully investigate the complaint if it is established that the complainant has first sought a solution with the relevant bodies in school.  Details of the findings will be given in a written statement by the Local Education Authority.  If parents are still unhappy with the outcome they may write directly to the Secretary of State for Education.

General unease about School Procedures and Policies

Parents should ask to see the Headteacher.  Normally the school offers an Open Door Policy and the Headteacher would endeavour to see the parent immediately unless other commitments prevented this.   The school secretary would arrange an appointment for the parent to see the Headteacher.

The school is anxious that parents should be fully involved in their child’s education.  We would encourage parents to voice any concerns or queries so that matters can be resolved quickly and informally.  Our hope is that parents would try to see staff before children arrive on the morning or after they have left the afternoon.  Once lessons have begun the teacher’s whole responsibility is to the children in their charge.

Staff have the right to refer the parent directly to the Headteacher.

Further information available at http://www.governornet.co.uk

To be review April 2009