SENDIASS
Ask the school or check their website for how to make a formal complaint. They may tell you to raise the complaint with your local authority. Check if the school has a 'SEN Information Report'. This will usually outline how to complain to them about SEN provision.
To complain about Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision to a local authority, you should first attempt to resolve the issue informally with the school, specifically the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). If that doesn't work, you can make a formal complaint to the school, and if still unsatisfied, then escalate it to the local authority. The local authority will have a specific complaints procedure, often found on their website, which you should follow.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Talk to the SENCO: Before making a formal complaint, try to resolve the issue informally with the school's SENCO, or the person designated to handle SEN concerns if there isn't a SENCO.
Formal complaint to the school: If the informal discussion doesn't resolve the issue, you can make a formal complaint to the school, following their specific procedures, often found on their website.
SEN Information Report: Check if the school has a 'SEN Information Report' which may outline how to complain about SEN provision.
Local Authority Complaint Procedure: If you're not satisfied with the school's response, you can make a formal complaint to the local authority.
Contact the Local Authority: Find the local authority's complaints procedure, often on their website.
Director of Children's Services: You may also consider writing to the Director of Children's Services, especially if the issue is about SEN or educational support.
Copy Relevant Parties: When writing to the Director of Children's Services, consider copying in the LA's monitoring officer, your ward councillor, and the LA case worker you've been dealing with.
Keep Records: Always keep copies of all correspondence and proof of delivery (if sending by post).
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman: If you've gone through the local authority's complaints procedure and are still not satisfied, you can contact the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
SEND Tribunal: If your complaint is about a specific decision regarding an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, you may have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Timing: It's best to raise concerns as soon as possible to prevent issues from escalating, according to Buckinghamshire Council.
Evidence: Gather as much evidence as possible to support your complaint, such as emails, letters, and relevant documents.
Clarity: Be clear and concise in your complaint, explaining what the issue is, what you've done to resolve it, and what outcome you're seeking.