Dad and mom are set to obtain a brand new government-backed information on methods to formally complain to their little one’s college, in a bid to curb a big rise in escalated and sometimes aggressive disputes.
The excellent five-step course of, developed by the Division for Training (DfE), charity Parentkind, and faculties watchdog Ofsted, goals to foster a extra “optimistic, respectful method” for fogeys to deal with considerations with instructional establishments.
This initiative follows widespread studies from faculties detailing a surge in parental complaints, notably these aired on social media platforms.
The information explicitly advises dad and mom in opposition to utilizing social media to voice grievances, urging them to keep away from aggressive behaviour, concentrating on people, or “constructing a crowd” round their points.
Training Secretary Bridget Phillipson commented: “As a mum or dad, I understand how it feels to be nervous about your little one at college – particularly when it’s not clear who to talk to or what to say.
“This information will give households the boldness to boost considerations, encouraging faculties and fogeys to work collectively to deal with their worries in a optimistic and respectful method so each little one can study in a relaxed, supportive surroundings.”
She added that the DfE’s delayed Faculties White Paper, due this yr, will additional define plans to “reset the connection between dad and mom and lecturers”.
The steering will assist dad and mom distinguish between suggestions, a priority, or a proper grievance, advising on whether or not to strategy a instructor or escalate on to the headteacher.
It stresses the significance of conserving complaints goal, optimistic, constructive, and free from “accusations in opposition to people”. Dad and mom may even discover recommendation on finding their college’s complaints coverage and understanding potential decision timelines.
Whereas advocating for direct decision “in dialogue along with your college”, the information additionally offers clear steps for escalating a grievance if it stays unresolved. Moreover, it outlines the results for fogeys who act unreasonably in the course of the complaints course of.
Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted chief inspector, said: “It’s at all times higher for all concerned when complaints may be resolved straight between a mum or dad and their little one’s college, with out issues spiralling onto social media or relationships changing into unnecessarily heated. And, within the overwhelming majority of circumstances, points may be mounted rapidly and civilly with none want for escalation to Ofsted.”
The necessity for such a information is underscored by latest knowledge. A 2025 Parentkind survey revealed that one in 5 dad and mom had made at the very least two formal complaints to their little one’s college prior to now yr, with many admitting to posting them on social media.
Individually, a Browne Jacobson survey discovered that two-thirds (65%) of faculty leaders reported a rise in parental complaints in the course of the 2023-24 tutorial yr, with many noting a faster escalation to formal levels.
Alarmingly, a ballot by the NAHT college leaders’ union indicated that over 4 in 5 (82%) college leaders skilled abuse from dad and mom final yr.
The information might be accessible on-line from Tuesday and distributed throughout England, having fun with broad assist from varied schooling organisations, together with all instructing unions.
