How to raise a concern

Raising a concern at Eynesbury Church of England Primary School

Schools work hard to maintain good relationships with the communities they serve; however, sometimes people can see ways to improve things, and helpful suggestions are valuable. Sometimes people want to voice a concern or even complain formally about issues related to the school.

This information advises you on how to make a suggestion or to express a concern to a school, and on the procedures agreed by many Cambridgeshire schools for responding to concerns or complaints.

Do you wish to make a suggestion?

• You can telephone, write to or e-mail the Headteacher at the school giving your ideas.
• You can expect the school to consider suggestions and to keep in touch in writing over how and when problems can be raised with the school

Do you have a concern?

• You should raise this informally with your child’s teacher or the Headteacher - whoever you feel is most appropriate. Always try to make appointments to see members of staff. Usually, your worry can be sorted out at this stage.

What can you expect of the school?

The school will:

• publicise details of our complaints policy
• respond within a reasonable time, with courtesy and respect
• be available for consultation within a reasonable time limit, considering the needs of pupils/ staff
• attempt to resolve problems using reasonable means in line with the school complaints policy and advice from Cambridgeshire County Council
• keep you informed of progress.

Do you wish to make a formal complaint?

• The recommended complaints policy for schools is designed to help find ways to resolve serious problems. It is a positive process based on negotiation and conciliation rather than conflict.Full details of how schools will respond to complaints are explained in our complaints policy below.

What can the school expect of you?

• It is usually best to try to solve a problem first by raising a concern informally; however, if you wish to complain formally you should write to the Headteacher at the school, completing the form below. If you need help or advice on doing this, you should contact the school.  You will be asked to give permission for your complaint to be shared with any person you are complaining about.

The School expects anyone who wishes to raise problems to:

• treat all school staff with courtesy and respect
• respect the needs of pupils and staff
• avoid the use of violence, threats of violence, abuse and aggression towards people or property
• recognise the time constraints under which members of staff in schools work and allow the school a reasonable time to respond to a complaint
• recognise that resolving a specific problem can sometimes take some time
• follow the school complaints policy when necessary.

If your child has diagnosed special educational needs you can contact the Parent Partnerships Service on 01223 699214 for further impartial advice with your issue.