Explain what happened, what you have already asked for and what still needs to change. Ask for a written response and the school’s response timetable.
If you are not getting the help you need
Be specific about what is unresolved and what you want to happen next.
Ask the SENCO or relevant school leader to review the support. Suggest a meeting and ask for agreed actions with a review date.
If the issue remains unresolved, ask for the current school or trust complaints procedure. Follow its stages and send your complaint to the person named in it.
You can seek advice at any stage. If a school complaint is still unresolved, an adviser can help identify the right next route.
Subject: Follow-up about support for [child’s name] Hello [name], I contacted you on [date] about [concern]. The part that remains unresolved is [brief explanation]. Please could you confirm what action will be taken, who will be responsible and when we will review it? If this cannot be resolved at this stage, please send me the current complaints procedure and confirm who I should contact next. Thank you, [Your name]
What if the problem is with my child’s EHCP?
If support written in Section F is missing, contact the council maintaining the plan as well as the school. Say exactly which support is missing and ask how it will be put in place.
If you disagree with a council decision about an EHCP, an appeal may be the correct route. A school complaint cannot change the council’s plan.
Help with EHCP appeals ↗Who can look at an unresolved school complaint?
The Department for Education (DfE) can consider certain concerns about how a school handled a complaint. It cannot normally replace the school’s decision. Follow the official guidance and check whether your concern is within its remit.
DfE: school SEND complaints ↗If you think your child has been treated unlawfully because of disability, get advice about the SEND Tribunal. You do not have to complete a school complaint first.
Disability discrimination: next steps ↗If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. For a safeguarding concern, contact the school’s safeguarding lead or the council’s children’s services promptly.
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