It is important that concerns are raised with the school as soon as possible, in order for these to be resolved. 

Richard de Clare Community Academy follows the Bridge Academy Trust Complaints Policy: Bridge Academy Trust Complaints Policy

You might find the questions and answers below helpful:

Initial Concerns

I have something I would like to discuss with the school, what should I do?

Where possible, please raise any concerns with your child's class teacher in the first instance.

Please note:  Any concerns relating to the Head of School or executive Headteacer should be raised with the CEO via the Clerk to the Board of Trustees (Mrs A Jeffries).  

Stage 1:

What should I do if I still feel unhappy about the issue?

If you are unhappy after the initial response, a Formal Complaint can be raised.  Your concerns must be clear.  They must be raised:

• Within 20 school days;
• In writing to the school. 

Stage 2:

I have raised a formal complaint but I am unhappy with the response?

If you are unhappy with the response following Stage 1 - Formal Complaint.  Your concerns must be clear.  They must be raised:

• Within 20 school days;

• In writing to the Clerk to the Board of Trustees (Mrs A Jeffries).  The complaints policy states that a Governors' Complaints Panel will be arranged to hear your complaint. 

Please note:  The Governing Committee cannot get involved unless you have first tried to resolve your concerns through the Initial Stage and Stage 1 as above.

I am dissatisfied with the outcome of the Panel Hearing.  Can I take this further?

If you have followed the complaints process and remain unhappy with the outcome, the complaint can be raised with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (EFSA). 

Education and Skills Funding Agency (EFSA)

The ESFA will not usually review the subject matter of your complaint or the decision of a formal Complaint Panel Hearing. The ESFA will not usually investigate complaints more than 12 months after the decision or action was taken.  The ESFA will, however, review the Trusts Complaints Policy to ensure that it complies with the Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2018 (as amended) and that the school followed the procedure contained within its Complaints Policy.  

How the EFSA handles complaints about academies:  This guide provides advice for people who wish to raise concerns about an academy's handling of complaints.