Complaints to the Governors

[Nikky1331]

What is the procedure if you never receive a response from the Governors about your formal complaint submitted to the headteacher personally? In this case formal complaint was submitted to the headteacher but I never received a response. I have requested a meeting with the chair several times, but the headteacher kept avoiding it, implying that every time there was a problem, It had to be discussed with him first, although each time it was about the same thing, they were not new problems. I am hoping to be able to go to the DfE directly, as I have followed the procedure, although the school didn't. He lied about every query I had, and his responses are mainly lots of details containing nonsense, not related to the problem; or just prolonged confusing details that don't shed light on anything.

What about the language school in Germany, where ds is now? Do I give the name and address of the school in Germany to the school here (they asked)?

If it’s a temporary language school and not his next permanent school, then no. It’s not a proper school. Just say you are home ed. If they get round to sending anyone to check, it will be the school holidays. You could write to the LA and tell them what you are doing so they know he is safe.

Thank you BubblesBuddy! I was really worried, I don't know the rules at all. Does the secondary (independent) need to know anything? Will they be contacted by the current school for any information whatsoever?

The private secondary may ask Primary for a report. They may not. A state to state would definitely ask and they ask about attendance and SEN etc.

I didn't know that. What if they write a bad report???

Not that sort of report. More statistical. Sometimes if other children are going to same school they may ask whether the friendship is good or bad. Who to avoid (ie they talk when they sit together) and therefore educational factual not opinion.

Ofsted are unlikely to be interested.

Thanks all very much! I needed my ds to remain sane, but wasn't sure if there would be consequences. The HEad seems to lack emotional intelligence, and most other teachers hate their job, more suitable for prison guards!

Usually independent schools ask for reports before offering a place. As he’s not taking Sats, they cannot report those results. If the independent school has offered the place, they are not going to take it away at this stage. They probably will never find out that he’s not in school. They will almost certainly do their own benchmark tests when he starts.

It sounds like the Head is poor. A good Head doesn’t have teachers hating their jobs to that extent.

Thanks so much BubblesBuddy! I called a lawyer today, just to get a second opinion, he thought that the treatment my ds received was malicious. I fear the treatment was emotional abuse. Can't believe happened to him :-(

Just to add - you can’t complain to OFSTED unless you have gone through the school’s complaints procedure first (though maybe you have?). Not sure what that OFSTED would be interested though.