Parent complained

[Sunshineandalltherainbows]

I made a genuine mistake at work I pressed send for a generic email about a detention to a child's parent due to 4 minor incidents over the term. They are supposed to be called beforehand when they have 2 negative marks, in the run up to Christmas this was an oversight and didn't happen so the first they heard was the email.
I apologised profusely to the parent but they were extremely unhappy. They weren't shouting but I could tell in their tone they were furious and kept saying the communication wasn't good enough.
This was then made even worse when I spelt their child's name wrong in an email after the meeting.
I feel that these were two genuine mistakes and all I can do is apologise as I can't go back in time. I just don't want this to carry on for the next week and a half before we break up with the parent still being annoyed.

You’re human, it was a mistake. They are human, they get hacked off at things. You’ve apologised, there’s not much more you can do (other than ensure you follow protocol next time.) Try to put it behind you and move on. They may well still be annoyed but you can’t really control that.

Are you a teacher? You’re going to need to grow a thicker skin. Parents are never happy with schools. It’s not all on you.

The parent should be more concerned that their child is being an arse at school. They’re just projecting on you. Ignore them!

Ps. I’d stop apologising and ask this how they plan to support their kid to improve their behaviour. Many schools don’t inform parents at all when detention is given so stop stressing.

Get your line manager involved asap. I'm a teacher and would go straight to my head of department if this happened.

Hi OP. I'm a teacher. You really need to chill out (but I do mean this kindly, as I'm prone to this kind of anxious over-thinking too). It's really not a big deal. Doesn't sound like much of a mistake to me, and honestly, who cares? Try to put it out of your mind now.

I think you need a detention for that.

I wouldn’t apologise anymore. You have said sorry. What more can you do? Most parents would have been more concerned about their child’s bad behaviour. Just learn from your mistakes and move forward. We all make mistakes sometimes.

Stop apologizing.
Stop responding to the parent.
Their child was a brat 4 times.
A message wasn't sent.
A name got mangled. You've apologized. Move on.

It's a private school so the parent is not happy that they weren't communicated with at the second mark as they would have spoken to child to make sure it didn't happen again. I got it. It didnt help the teachers who gave the last 2 marks didnt tell the kid either (forgetting euipment)so mistakes were made but not all mine. Then I spelt the name wrong but just a genuine mistake. I'm new to the school and don't want the parent to complain further.
I'm quite an anxious person so am just stressing. Their annoyed tone really bothered me.
I'm glad that people here don't think it's me though.

Had something similar recently, not a teacher but public service. My manager knew how awful this one woman had been to me for a really long time and insisted I didnt apologise in my email but said to explain what happened. I was terrified but it worked. Never apologise for being human is my new motto. The parent sounds like a bully.

The parent needs to get a grip. Don't overthink this OP. It's really not a big deal.

This ⬆️ spot on

I had to apologise as I hadn't followed policy that is advertised to parents as what would happen. I think the scholle expects a lot from teachers as they promise a lot to parents. It's a lot of pressure and is probably why I feel anxious that I've made mistakes. If it was like a major behavioir thing it would have been more on my radar to call but they were more organisational things and the it was a nice kid so when the marks pinged up I didn't really think detention before it was too late and the email got sent. Just don't want to get in trouble for it. I prefer the lack of behaviour management at this scholl compared to my last.

Stupid autocorrect doing the opposite when I type!

Private school or not your senior leaders should have your back in this or any issues where you need support. If they don’t, leave. Honestly toxic schools kill good teachers. Parents paying fees doesn’t give them the right to be horrors. Don’t apologise any more.

In all honesty I would say that to the parent. X is a lovely kid, so the quick accumulation of marks surprised me. We'll support him to get on top of organization, and appreciate your help at home --then leave it there. If it's the sort of school where kids are managed out, the parent may be anxious too about every little thing.

I used to work in a private school and it was the worst time of my life. Parents were unreasonable, demanding and entitled. My anxiety was sky high for the 6 years I worked there.
You've done nothing wrong - they're very small mistakes and you've apologised. What's important is that you care, have made an effort to rectify the mistake and will probably be more cautious in the future.
Try and relax and draw a line under it. Like others have said, if you're still feeling worried about it, speak to your head of department/year.

Definitely a phone call home since you've done two things wrong. Tiredness is no excuse. You should be following the policy.

<or maybe we should all cut each other a bit more slack, kids included)

Welcome to the world of private schools!

They are overreacting. I wouldn't bat an eye at something like this as a parent. Forget it! They are in the wrong for taking it so far and being so hard on you.

Try to let it go.

private schools are often an absolute nightmare to work for & there can be some difficult parents & unrealistic demands.

its Sunday tomorrow & hopefully you're not in school. Try to enjoy your day off, don't let this spoil it!