Below you will find our School Complaints Policy. The school is committed to addressing concerns promptly, fairly, and with transparency. We encourage parents and carers to raise any issues at the earliest opportunity with the class teacher or headteacher, as most matters can be resolved quickly and informally. Please note, School Governors should not be approached at this stage, as they may need to be involved in later steps of the process.

Summary of the main stages

• Informal stage (raise a concern): Speak to the class teacher or Key Stage Lead first; many issues are resolved at this point. If you do not feel the concern is being resolved, please then speak to the Head Teacher informally.

• Stage 1 – Formal complaint to the headteacher: Submit your complaint (in person, by phone or in writing). The school will acknowledge within 5 school days and provide a written response within 15 school days. If the complaint is about the headteacher, write to the Clerk to the Governors instead.

• Stage 2 – Governing Body Complaints Committee: If you’re unhappy with Stage 1, write to the Clerk within 15 school days of the Stage 1 outcome. The Clerk will acknowledge within 5 school days and aim to arrange a committee meeting within 20 school days. You’ll receive a written decision within 15 school days of the meeting.

• Next steps (after Stage 2): If you believe the policy wasn’t followed properly or the school acted unlawfully or unreasonably under education law, you can contact the Department for Education.

If you need the policy or forms in another format, please let the school office know and we’ll make reasonable adjustments to support you.