Complaints Policy

The Governors of Green Top as part of the XP Trust are committed to ensuring that the highest standards are maintained at the school both in the provision of education to students and in every other aspect of the running of the school. A complaints procedure is an important part of the management of a well-run school, allowing parents and others the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have through appropriate channels. This policy explains the procedure which has been adopted by the Governing Body to ensure a timely, systematic and fair approach to the resolution of such concerns.

We recognise the need to be clear about the difference between a concern and a complaint. Taking informal concerns seriously at the earliest stage reduces the numbers that develop into formal complaints. We aim to ensure that concerns are handled, if at all possible, without the need for formal procedures. Our formal complaints procedure is only necessary if efforts to resolve the concern informally are unsuccessful. In most cases, a class teacher or an individual delivering the service will receive the first approach. Our staff development process includes training to help staff resolve issues on the spot, including apologising where necessary.

Our formal procedures are invoked when initial attempts to resolve the issue are unsuccessful and the person raising the concern remains dissatisfied and wishes to take the matter further. (See appendix A and appendix B.)

Certain complaints, for example, those relating to the curriculum should be addressed under the separate curriculum complaints procedure. Similarly, complaints about SEN provision should follow the SEN procedures. Any complaints by staff should be addressed under the school’s grievance procedure. A complaint may result in disciplinary action by the school against a member of staff and this would be confidential between that member of staff and the school, but otherwise parents will be kept fully informed of the handling of any complaint. Any complaint will be kept confidential unless it is necessary to involve other parties and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.

The policy can be found here

A copy of the whistleblowing policy can be requested from the trust.