Complaint procedure - ACS International Schools

• The parents may be accompanied to the hearing by one other person. This may be a relative, teacher or friend. Legal
representation will not normally be appropriate.
• If possible, the Panel will resolve the parents’ complaint immediately, without the need for further investigation.
• Where the investigation is required, the Panel will decide how it should be carried out. After due consideration of all the facts
they consider relevant, the Panel will reach a decision and may make recommendations which it shall complete within five days
of the hearing. The Panel will write to the parents informing them of its decision and the reasons for it. The decision of the Panel
will be final. The Panel’s findings and, if any, recommendations will be sent in writing to the parents, the Head of School, the
Chairman and where relevant, the person complained of.
Parents can be assured that all concerns and complaints will be treated seriously and confidentially. Correspondence, statements
and records will be kept confidential except in so far as is required of the school by paragraph 6(2)(j) of the Education (Independent
Schools Standards) Regulations 2003, where disclosure is required in the course of the school’s inspection or where any other legal
obligation prevails.
Early Years Foundation Stage
• A record of complaints is kept for at least three years.
• ACS will notify complainants of the outcome of an investigation within 28 days of having received the complaint.
• ACS must provide Ofsted on request, with a written record of all complaints during any specified period and the action that was
taken as a result of each complaint.
• Parents can also contact the Office of Standards in Education (OFSTED) in order to discuss their concern/complaint. OFSTED
helpline is 0845 601 4771.
Boarding
• The complaints procedure is available to all parents, staff and boarders
• Boarders and their parents are informed by the school how they can contact Ofsted regarding any complaint concerning
boarding welfare
• A written record is kept of serious complaints and their outcomes for regular review by the Head or a senior member of staff
• Complaints are resolved either to the complainants satisfaction, or with an otherwise appropriate outcome which balances the
rights and duties of students, without unreasonable delay
• Students are not penalised for making a complaint in good faith
(September 2011)
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