Implications of making formal complaint to school /Governors

[codandchipstwice]

DS has a nemesis at school, fair enough. He is provoked often by said child, and sometimes gets into trouble for retaliating (I do not condone violence but tend to turn a blind eye to this, not to any other child or if not provoked).

Other child clearly has issues, his siblings too, but word is his parents will not allow any sort of assessment or diagnosis. Thus, behaviour to be taken at face value. He has been excluded from one school permanently and has internal exclusions at this one, they are both 9 yr 4.

Head suggested putting them on same table, ds has come today with a 3 hour old bruise that's swollen, blue and purple and broken skin.

Class already had numerous interventions due to being spirited and having had a hideous time, on teacher 17.

So, how can I make clear to Head this has to stop, that not doing more to perpetrator is wrong (today he just went to another class, don't think Head even aware).

And , how do I make official complaint and what are implications? Apparently if one more child leaves this class it is officially failing, and Head already having to meet Governors regularly over their lack of progress, should I contact them too? Or am I just being precious?

Thsnks

If your child is being put at risk of being physically hurt by another child, then the school is not fulfilling its duty of care.

Have you directly spoken to the teacher? Then, speak to head teacher. Ask him/her some clear answers, and make your thoughts very clear. You can demand that your son is not put in a situation to be physically hurt. demand that your DS be put on another table.

You need a specific action plan - and if teacher/headteacher don't perform their duties (ie provide a safe environment for your child) then. Write a letter to the governors.

Take a photo as evidence.

The school should have a complaints procedure on their website. Focus on your child - this issues your child faces, the lack if safeguarding for your child, how this impacts detrimentally on your child's education.

You don't know, and won't know, what sanctions etc are in place for the other cold part from those that are publicly discern able, as the school has a responsibility towards confidentiality.

You do have a reasonable expectation that your child will be safe at school, and that the school has and follows an anti bullying policy. Furthermore your child has a right to an education and the school needs to ensure that this need is met.

If you put your complaint in these terms and with this focus you give them something to work with. Which they should do. If they don't then now, year 4, is a good time to get him into a school that will.

Thanks all - Head was good - had found out what had happened, child is facing internal 1/2 day exclusion - if it happens again at home exclusion.

He has encouraged us to make a formal complaint as it gives him more leverage - as DS was having issues at school school were attributing the incidents to his behaviour - rather than seeing his behaviour as a consequence of the bullying.

So - seems good - have heard it all before so just hoping it isn't forgotten about in a weeks time..

As the Head has encouraged it DO make a formal complaint as soon as possible. I assure you that if a Head wants to treat a situation as a priority and get Governors' backing on this, having a formal complaint from a parent really does help, and yours may not be the first.

The Head has to be careful to avoid being accused of "soliciting" complaints, so may indeed have been gratified to hear of your intention...