Complaints

There are times when children are at school that issues arise that lead to parents making complaints. The circumstances may surround for example bullying by a teacher or other pupil or confiscation of property. There may be quality complaints or complaints arising out of administrative failure at the school. All schools must have a complaints policy and procedure.

In the State sector, the complaints policy and procedure must be readily available to anyone who asks for it. It should contain a procedure that both parties are expected to follow and may contain appeal rights. Once the internal procedures have been exhausted, there should normally be an appeal to the Local Authority and thereafter, to the Local Government Ombudsman. The Local Authority procedures are available directly from the authority in question, whilst the procedure to complain to the Local Government Ombudsman will be available from the LGO website.

In following the complaints procedure, public law rights will be invoked which may lead to a right to bring a challenge in the Administrative Court of the High Court. It is important to be aware of time limits and the remedies available from the High Court.

In the Private sector there should usually be a complaints procedure that may form part of the contract between the parent and the school. If either party breaches the contract, the other party may be able to seek a remedy in the court by bringing breach of contract proceedings.

Please call us on 01252 617119 to find out how we can assist you.