Finding solutions for disputes

Aim

To enable the efficient resolution of issues which may arise from time to time between parents, staff and school management at the lowest possible level. These are internal procedures which preclude the involvement of persons who are not parents or staff members of the school.

Procedure to be followed

Should an issue arise, these procedures should be followed:

Make an appointment to see the person or persons concerned about the issue, and attempt to resolve the matter informally. Either party may request that a facilitator be present at the meeting. The facilitator may only be another parent or staff member of the school.

Should the issue not be resolved at such a meeting, a dispute should be registered in writing within a week of the meeting. Dispute Forms are available in the school offices and secretarial staff or management can assist parents who are uncertain about designated managers.

The designated manager is obliged to follow up on the dispute or issue raised within a week, and will attempt to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of all parties, including possibly facilitating a further meeting between the parties. You will be contacted regarding a date for such a meeting. The outcome of this stage of the procedure must be recorded in writing by the designated manager.

If one of the parties still does not believe that the issue has been resolved, the Dispute Form and written record must be forwarded to the next level of management, who will follow the procedure set out in 3 above. The Head of the School is the final arbitrator should the matter reach that level.