Geashill School Scoil na Croise Naofa

Geashill National School
Complaints Policy Procedure

Introduction

At Geashill National School if a parent has a concern or complaint about a teacher it is normally brought to the attention of the class teacher first, and then to the Principal. Both the teachers and Principal are resolved to deal with concerns as soon as they are raised, in order to avoid having problems escalate. However, in matters of serious complaint, the following procedures will be followed:

Only those complaints about teachers, which are written and signed by parents/guardian of pupils may be investigated formally by the Board of Management, except where those complaints are deemed by the Board to be:

• On matters of professional competence and which are to be referred to the Department of Education
• Frivolous or vexatious complaints, and complaints which do not impinge on the work of a teacher in a school
• Complaints in which either party has recourse to law or to another existing procedure.

Unwritten complaints not in the above categories may be processed informally as set out in Stage 1 of this procedure.

Stage 1 - Informal, unwritten complaints

• A parent/guardian who wishes to make a complaint should approach the class teacher with a view to resolving the complaint.
• Where the parent/guardian is unable to resolve the complaint with the class teacher, he/she should approach the Principal with a view to resolving it.
• If the complaint is still unresolved the parent/guardian should raise the matter with the Chairperson of the Board of Management with a view to resolving it.

Stage 2 - Informal, written complaints

• If the complaint is still unresolved and the parent/guardian wishes to pursue the matter further, he/she should lodge the complaint in writing with the Chairperson of the Board of Management.
• The Chairperson should bring the precise nature of the written complaint to the notice of the teacher and seek to resolve the matter informally between the parties, within 5 school days of receipt of the written complaint.

Stage 3 - Formal, written complaints

• If the complaint is not resolved informally, the Chairperson should, subject to the general authorisation of the Board:-

a) Supply the teacher with a copy of the written complaint and
b) Arrange a meeting with the teacher and the Principal, with a view to resolving the complaint. Such a meeting should take place within 10 school days of receipt of the written complaint.

Stage 4 - Formal report to Board of Management

• If the complaint is still not resolved, the Chairperson should make a formal report to the Board within 10 school days of the meeting referred to in Stage 3 (b).
• If the Board considers that the complaint is not substantiated, the teacher and the complainant should be so informed within 3 school days of the board meeting.
• If the Board considers that the complaint is substantiated or that it warrants further investigation, it proceeds as follows:-

a) The teacher should be informed that the investigation is proceeding to the next stage
b) The teacher should be supplied with a copy of any written evidence in support of the complaint
c) The teacher should be requested to supply a written statement to the Board in response to the complaint
d) The teacher should be afforded an opportunity to make a presentation of case to the Board. The teacher should be entitled to be accompanied and assisted by a friend at any such meeting
e) The board may arrange a meeting with the complainant if it considers such to be required. The complainant would be entitled to be accompanied and assisted by a friend at any such meeting
f) The meeting of the Board of Management referred to in (d) and (e) will take place within 10 school days of the meeting referred in Stage 3 (b).

Stage 5 - Written Decision

• When the Board has completed its investigation, the Chairperson should convey the decision of the Board in writing to the teacher and the complainant within 5 school days of the meeting of the Board.
• The decision of the Board shall be final
• This Complaints Procedure shall be reviewed after three years.