All
schools in North Lincolnshire want their children to do well and be happy. They
recognise that you, as a parent/guardian play an important part in making this
happen. Therefore, schools aim to provide as many opportunities to keep you
informed and involved in your child's progress as they can. Regular reports,
open days and visits help this process. Questions and concerns can be dealt
with quickly and helpfully.
However,
we recognise that occasionally things may go wrong, when concerns continue and
differences of opinion develop. These can usually be resolved by speaking to
the right person. Most concerns can be settled without too much trouble, whatever
the issue, even where you are seriously concerned about your child's future
at the school. It is always important to try to find an answer. Disruption to
a child's education is the most damaging result of all.
What
to do first?
- Take
a few minutes to read this page
- Think
the complaint through and about what actually happened
- Remember
there is often more than one view about an incident or situation. For example,
your child may well be telling the truth but it may not be the whole story.
What
do you want to complain about?
What
do you hope will happen as a result of your complaint? It might help to talk
this through with a friend or relative. When you make a complaint, remember
that although you want to change a situation, you want it to end on a positive
note with no bad feelings. In order to do this you should try to follow the
procedures carefully and always try not to put yourself or anyone else into
a corner.
What
to do next?
When
you are clear in your own mind as to what you believe has happened, you then
need to speak to the school. Contact them to arrange a meeting.
Although
some schools, particularly for younger children, can arrange to see parents
who just 'pop in', this is not generally possible. It is always best to try
to make an appointment where you can sit and talk things through calmly and
without interruption.
Investigating
complaints does take time and the answers aren't always readily available. However,
you will at least be able to decide whether the action taken (or not taken)
was reasonable and whether any further steps can be taken to solve the problem.
If
you are still unhappy
In most
cases, the problem will have been solved by this stage. However, if you are
still unhappy, then you should write to the Chair of Governors, c/o the
school. The school will tell you how to make contact. They may be able to help
resolve the problem informally, possibly by arranging a meeting between those
involved.
Once
again you'll have the opportunity to talk through your concerns with an independent
party who is there to listen and to discuss what is being said. If, after this,
you are still not satisfied with the answer, then you can make a formal complaint
to the governing body.
Complaints
to the governing body
As this
is a serious step to take, it is important that you have thought things through
carefully and that every possible attempt has been made to solve your concerns
by other means.
Following
receipt of a formal written complaint, a panel of governors will be called to
hear your case and all sides will be asked to submit a written statement. You
will also be invited to attend any hearing that is held, to present your side
of the story and ask relevant questions.
The
decision of the governors' panel will then be sent in writing to all parties
within an agreed timescale.
Copies
of the School Complaints Procedure and any further information is available
from Julie Johnstone on 01724 297247, email julie.johnstone@northlincs.gov.uk
or Martin Windle on 01724 297132, email martin.windle@northlincs.gov.uk.