To ask you kind folks to help me write a letter to school?

[Megatron]

First of all I'm not a fool, I'm just totally rubbish and putting things in writing, especially important things.

I have been advised by DD's teacher to put my concerns in writing to the head and I'm not sure how to put things so can I please pick your brains?

Back story is DD (7) has had problems with another child at school on and off since nursery. This other child has punched, kicked, scratched DD (and many other children) so many times over the last couple of years and I have always tried to retain a sensible attitude of going to school when I think the incident serious enough, or trying to encourage DD to deal with some things herself. Things settled down for about a year but things have escalated recently where this girl dragged a compass down DD's arm and has now punched her in the head again today. DD is scared to go to school (again)and I have spoken to her teacher (again) who is lovely and says I should put my concerns in writing. I have done this before but I don't feel I'm putting my worries across very well as I'm so crap at writing letters.

I'm rambling a bit here but I'm so bloody angry about the situation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Head teacher,

You are doubtless aware of the problems with child A. I realise that the child needs to be schooled and have every sympathy for any difficulties he/she may be experienced and hope they are receiving the necessary help and support for these.

However, my child's safety and education are of paramount importance to me and as such I must demand that urgent steps be taken to ensure that no harm comes to my child as a result of any behaviour from Child A.

I have listed below the specific events which have caused me concern:
1, Date/event
2, Date/ event

etc, etc.

Due to the severity of the situation I expect an extremely prompt response and resolution of this matter.

Regards,

Megatron...

Hth. This happened in DSD's school, thankfully the abuse was never directed at DSD but the child in question had a extra member of staff brought in to sit with them at all times to protect the other children.

Cut and paste most of your main para here - you're not rubbish about putting things in writing at all :).

Start with "I am writing to express my concerns re the continued aggressive behaviour of Child X and the impact this is having on DD's enjoyment of school." (or something)
Then "DD has had problems with X on and off.." etc (i.e. your para, finishing with the head punching)
Finish with something like "DD no longer feels safe in the school environment and while I appreciate the need for confidentiality with regard to specific information about another child, I would like some reassurance that constructive steps are being taken to deal with X's behaviour.

I would copy it to the Chair of Governors as well.

Jesus - grammar & spell check the thing! I'm not illiterate - honest!

Thank you so much, I can write an absolute stormer of a letter using bits from both of you! I really appreciate this, I just want to be taken seriously as I'm getting more and more worried every day when I'm leaving her at school. Thanks again.

Dear Mr / Ms Headteacher,

Mrs DD'steacher has asked me to write to you to set out my concerns about Child A. DD has had problems with Child A since nursery, that is she has been kicked, punched and scratched a number of times.

The latest incident occurred on [insert date]. Child A dragged a compass down DD's arm and punched her in the head. DD is now scared to attend school.

As I'm sure you can appreciate, I am hugely concerned at the behaviour of Child A. It is directly affecting my DD's education and I am disappointed that the school seems unable to provide a safe environment. The situation as it stands is completely unacceptable.

I would like to request the following:

• a copy of your Behaviour Policy;
• a copy of your Anti-Bullying Policy;
• details from you about what steps the school will take to ensure that DD is safe whilst at school.

I would also welcome a meeting with you to discuss this further. I have CCed this letter to Mr / Ms Bloggs at the Local Education Authority and the Chair of the Governing Body.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,
Megatron

CC
Ms / Ms Bloggs, Anytown Council (LEA)
Col. Blimp, Chair of Governing Body

Don't forget to find out the names of the CCed people!

Hope that helps.

Try chucking in the term "safeguarding" somewhere - it's a big Ofsted buzzword, and schools are very worried about being accused of failing in their duty to safeguard children in their care.

Good luck, this is so sad.

I agree with exexpat safeguarding strikes fear & dread into the v heart of a school;

I believe the current situation to be untenable and that whilst it is allowed to continue [the school] is failing to safeguard [child's name] physical and emotional wellbeing.

Also mention in your letter that this is not the first time you have raised these issues with the school and you have discussed the matter with the teacher on such and such a date, if you also wrote letters to them note them down as well.