Sorting out school problems

Summary

Talk to your child if they're unhappy at school or you're worried about their education. Find out as much as you can. You might be able to solve the problem with your child if you can suggest things they can change to make things better. If that doesn't work, you'll need to contact their teacher. If you email or write a letter to the teacher, keep a copy. If you phone or talk face to face, make a note of the date and take notes of what you both say - at the time or straight afterwards. Your notes could help if you have to contact the school again about the problem. If your child is struggling to learn or make friends, they might need extra support. You can speak to the school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCo) or a staff member who deals with 'inclusion'. If the teacher doesn't sort out the problem, you can ask to speak to the headteacher. They might ask you to see someone else, such as a member of staff who deals with behaviour. You can still insist on talking to the headteacher if you prefer. * explain the problem to the headteacher If you email or write a letter to the headteacher, keep a copy. If you phone or talk face to face, make a note of the date and take.

Key information

• •explain the problem to the teacher
• •ask what they can do to help and when
• •ask when they'll give you an update
• •explain the problem to the headteacher
• •find out about help with school costs
• •get free legal advice from Child Law Advice
• •Talk to your child if they're unhappy at school or you're worried about their education. Find out as much as you can. You might be able to solve the problem with your child if you can suggest things they can change to make things better.
• •If you phone or talk face to face, make a note of the date and take notes of what you both say - at the time or straight afterwards. Your notes could help if you have to contact the school again about the problem.
• •If your child is struggling to learn or make friends, they might need extra support. You can speak to the school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCo) or a staff member who deals with 'inclusion'.
• •You can find out more about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) on GOV.UK.
• •If the teacher doesn't sort out the problem, you can ask to speak to the headteacher.
• •They might ask you to see someone else, such as a member of staff who deals with behaviour. You can still insist on talking to the headteacher if you prefer.

Practical guidance

• •Source: [Sorting out school problems](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/education/sorting-out-school-problems/)

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