Appendix 3: Complaints Procedure for Students

APPENDIX 3: COMPLAINTS PROCEDUREFOR STUDENTS

You should expect to be treated fairly while you are at The Purcell School and you must treat others fairly too. The following information should help if you think something has gone wrong and you want help to sort it out.

What to do if I have a problem? Most problems can be resolved quickly and informally by talking directly to the person or people involved, or by talking to another member of staff, especially your instrumental HoD, Houseparent or Tutor. In each of these cases, you can take a friend or member of staff with you if you like. You can of course ask your parents or guardians to help.

Will anything happen to me if I make a complaint? You can make a complaint without being treated unfairly in any way: you will not be penalised for making a complaint in good faith.

Which members of staff can I talk to?

You can talk to any member of staff who you think might be able to help. You can also ask for help from the Head Boy or Head Girl or one of the Prefects.

What happens if nothing is done afterdiscussion? You should write down your concerns and pass this to any member of staff.

What happens next? The matter should be dealt with as soon as possible and after no more than a week.

What should I do if this doesn’t happen? You should speak to the Principal or Deputy Principal.

Will anything I say remain confidential? When a serious complaint is made, it will be treated with sensitivity and, so far as is possible, confidentiality will be maintained. The Confidentiality paragraph in the Whistle Blowing Policy explains how this can work. (You can find the Whistle Blowing Policy on the school website.)

What should I do if someone complains about me? If someone has a concern about a student or if a student is in trouble, they will be spoken to by a member of staff. Again, students can ask for a friend or for another member of staff to accompany them. Students will have a chance to give their opinion.

What happens if lots of people have the same concern? The same procedure should be followed. However, you might like to use the School Council to raise the issue. This group meets regularly to discuss school issues. After a meeting of the School Council the Heads of School will talk to the Principal or other staff about the issues raised.