Resolving Concerns

Talking to teachers at your child’s school can solve many problems informally. Before taking further action, make sure that you have shared your concerns. This section offers information and guidance for resolving concerns.

If you are concerned about the progress your child is making at school, you should first talk to the class teacher. You can do this by asking to have a chat before or after school, a phone call or an email. If your child has special educational needs you could also talk to your SENCo. You may also talk to the headteacher.

A Guide to Parents for Resolving Problems

“I disagree with my child’s school about support for special educational needs provided by the School”

There are many different people within a school or setting that can help with resolving any concerns you may have. You can speak with class teachers, the headteacher and the school’s own SENCo.

The school or setting may also have a Family Worker or Parent Support Advisor who can offer further help.

“I disagree with my child’s school about Disability Discrimination”.

IPSEA is a national charity providing free legally based advice to families who have children with special educational needs. All advice is given by trained volunteers. Find out more from the IPSEA website or contact the advice line at 0800 018 4016.

In certain circumstances, you can claim to the first-tier tribunal (special educational needs and disability) about disability discrimination in schools. See the government guidance for further information.

Making a complaint

A schools policy on special education needs and disabilities should include a complaints procedure for parents. This should be available to view on their website.

The first step for making a formal complaint to a school or setting is to forward your concerns, in writing, to the headteacher. You can then write to the chair of governors If you are not satisfied with the response.

“I have a disagreement with the local authority about support for additional learning needs”

All settings and schools are funded to support children with special educational needs or disabilities. If your child has complex needs the local authority provides specialist resources. This may include specialist provision (i.e. a special school or a resource base).

All parents have a right in law to express a preference for the school they would like their child to go to. This is not the same as having a right to choose a school. If too many children want to go to a particular school, there will be rules about who has priority for a place. You may be given your preference of school, but you may not.

Appeals concerning school allocations should be referred to your local authority.

For further information about the Birmingham City Council complaints process, please click the following button.

MAke a complaint

Communicating with the education setting and professionals who work with the child or the local authority can solve most disagreements about SEN provision.

If you’re looking to raise concerns about an EHCP or an assessment, please see the information regarding challenging EHCP and assessment decisions.

If instead, you would like to complain to SENAR, you can do so through Birmingham City Council’s Complaints Process.