The independent complaints committee.

Independent complaints committee

Most schools are part of a national complaints committee. The national complaints committees meet the legal requirements.

Schools must have a complaints procedure that meets the law. Most schools have joined a national complaints committee. There are two national complaints committees: GCBO and LKC. If a school is linked to one of these committees, you can file a complaint there.

The procedure

The complaints committee website shows the procedure and the rules. It comes down to this:

Usually, a parent submits the complaint in writing with the complainant’s signature. The written complaint includes name and address, the date, and a description of the complaint. It is important to keep the complaint short and clear. Add proof as attachments, like emails or witness statements.

After about 4 to 6 weeks, there is a hearing. Both parents and the school can tell their side. This can be in writing or spoken. Both parties may bring someone to help them at the hearing. The school often uses legal help. The parent can do that too or bring a trusted person.

The decision

Parents and the school get a letter with the decision within four weeks after the hearing. It says if the complaint is justified, meaning if the complainant is right. The complaints committee often gives advice about measures to solve the problem or prevent it in the future.

This advice is not binding. That means the school or the school governing body does not have to follow the advice, but they almost always do. The school lets parents and the complaints committee know which measures they take within four weeks. If the complaint is judged justified, the authority must send a copy of the decision and measures to the school participation council.