Safeguarding Children

Making a complaint

Policy Statement

Our setting believes that children and parents are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt, careful attention to their needs and wishes.

We welcome suggestions on how to improve our setting and will give prompt and serious attention to any concerns about the running of the setting.

We anticipate that most concerns will be resolved quickly by an informal approach to the appropriate member of staff. If this does not achieve the desired result, we have a set of procedures for dealing with concerns.

We aim to bring all concerns about the running of our setting to a satisfactory conclusion for all of the parties involved.

EYFS key themes and commitments

1.2 Inclusive practice

2.1 Respecting each other 2.2 Parents as partners

3.2 Supporting every child 3.4 The wider context

Procedures

All settings are required to keep a 'summary log' of all complaints that reach stage two or beyond. This is to be made available to parents as well as to Ofsted inspectors. Our setting keeps a Complaints Record Book and records all complaints in full on the ‘Provider Complaints Record’ form

Making a complaint

Stage 1

· Any parent who has a concern about an aspect of the setting's provision talks over, first of all, his/her concerns with the setting manager.

· Most complaints should be resolved amicably and informally at this stage.

Stage 2

· If this does not have a satisfactory outcome, or if the problem recurs, the parent moves to stage 2 of the procedure by putting the concerns or complaint in writing to the setting manager and the chair of the management committee.

· For parents who are not comfortable with making written complaints, the above mentioned complaints record form may be completed by the parents with the person in charge and will be signed by the parent.

· The setting stores written complaints from parents in the child's personal file and logs this has been done in the Complaints Record Book. However, if the complaint involves a detailed investigation, the manager may store all information relating to the investigation in a separate file designated specifically for this complaint.

· When the investigation into the complaint is completed, the setting manager meets with the parent to discuss the outcome.

· When the complaint is resolved at this stage, the summative points are logged in the Complaints Record Book.

Stage 3

· If the parent is not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation, he or she can request a meeting with the manager and the chair of the management committee. The parent should have a friend or partner present if required and the manager should have the chairperson of the management committee, or another representative present.

· An agreed written record of the discussion is made as well as any decision or action to take as a result. All of the parties present at the meeting sign the record and receive a copy of it.

· This signed record signifies that the procedure has concluded. When the complaint is resolved at this stage, the summative points are logged in the Complaints Record Book.

Stage 4

· If at the stage 3 meeting the parent and setting cannot reach agreement, an external mediator is invited to help to settle the complaint. This person should be acceptable to both parties, listen to both sides and offer advice. A mediator has no legal powers but can help to define the problem, review the action so far and suggest further ways in which it might be resolved.

· The mediator keeps all discussions confidential. S/he can hold separate meetings with the setting personnel (manager and chair of the management committee) and the parent, if this is decided to be helpful. The mediator keeps an agreed written record of any meetings that are held and of any advice s/he gives.

Stage 5

· When the mediator has concluded her/his investigations, a final meeting between the parent, the setting manager and the chair of the management committee is held. The purpose of this meeting is to reach a decision on the action to be taken to deal with the complaint. The mediator's advice is used to reach this conclusion. The mediator is present at the meeting if all parties think this will help a decision to be reached.

· A record of this meeting, including the decision on the action to be taken, is made. Everyone present at the meeting signs the record and receives a copy of it. This signed record signifies that the procedure has concluded.

The role of the Office for Standards in Education, Early Years Directorate (Ofsted) and the Local Safeguarding Children Board

· Parents may approach Ofsted directly at any stage of this complaints procedure. In addition, where there seems to be a possible breach of the setting's registration requirements, it is essential to involve Ofsted as the registering and inspection body with a duty to ensure the Welfare Requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage are adhered to.

· The number to call Ofsted with regard to a complaint is: 0300 123 4666

· These details are displayed on our setting's notice board.

· If a child appears to be at risk, our setting follows the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children Board in our local authority.

· In these cases, both the parent and setting are informed and the setting manager works with Ofsted or the Local Safeguarding Children Board to ensure a proper investigation of the complaint, followed by appropriate action.

Records

· A record of complaints against our setting and/or the children and/or the adults working in our setting is kept, including the date, the circumstances of the complaint and how the complaint was managed.

· The outcome of all complaints is recorded in the Complaints Record Book which is available for parents and Ofsted inspectors on request.

· All written complaints are investigated. Complainants are notified of any outcome within 28 days of receipt of the complaint.

Useful Pre-school Learning Alliance publications

§ Summary Complaints Record (2006)