Staff at St Thomas More do their best to promote liaison with parents in many ways. However, whilst we would hope that you are generally happy with your child’s progress at school, there may be occasions when you will wish to bring questions or a concern to the school’s attention.
This guide outlines the way to raise any concerns which you may have about your child’s school life.
THE INFORMAL STAGE
THE TEACHER
Many concerns may be settled by contacting your child’s teacher because they work regularly with your child. You can contact them by letter or by arranging an appointment to speak to them. They may be able to give immediate help but they may ask you to give them time to find further information. In the event of the matter not being resolved, you may wish to take your concern further, by putting it in writing to the Headteacher.
THE HEAD TEACHER
The Head Teacher will seek to contact you within five working days to confirm that the complaint has been received. He will then seek to investigate the complaint within a further five school days or as soon as possible. The head Teacher will confirm that the matter has been investigated and dealt with in the appropriate manner. Hopefully the matter will be resolved at this stage.
However, if you are not satisfied with the Head Teacher’s response to your concern, you may wish to make a formal complaint.
THE FORMAL STAGE
THE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS
At this stage you should put your complaint in writing to the Chairman of Governors at the school. You will receive an acknowledgement within five school days.
The Chairman will then ask a member of the Governing Body to investigate the complaint on your behalf within fifteen school days. You may be asked to provide further information. You will then receive a formal reply.
THE DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE OF THE GOVERNING BODY
If you are still not satisfied with the reply, you may request a meeting with the Discipline Committee of the Governing Body. You will then be invited to a meeting within fifteen school days at which the matter will be discussed. The time and date of the meeting will be arranged to suit everyone and you may bring a friend with you. The committee’s decision will be sent to you within five school days. The aim of this meeting is to resolve the complaint.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
All complaints should be resolved within the school. However, you can forward your complaint to the Secretary of State If you believe that the Governing Body of the school has failed to carry out its lawful duties or has acted unreasonably.
THE LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY (LEA)
It may be helpful for parents who wish to go through this procedure to contact the LEA for advice on 01234 228668.
CONCLUSION
Everyone who is involved in your child’s education seek to work together to make sure that your child is happy and supported in their life at school. This procedure should make sure that your concerns are sorted out as quickly as possible and that you are satisfied with the school’s reply. Some concerns may be the responsibility of the LEA. If this is the case, the Headteacher will be able to advise you.