Complaints to educational providers

  • Many issues can be resolved informally. Educational providers should take informal concerns seriously and make every effort to address the matter promptly. For guidance, please refer to the school's website to review their complaints procedure.

  • Most issues can be effectively resolved through direct communication with the provider. You may submit an informal complaint, and the provider will inform you of their timeline for a response.

  • It is advisable to submit an initial complaint in writing to the headteacher. You may also choose to send a copy to the chair of governors. Additionally, it may be beneficial to indicate that you would like to utilize the provider's complaints policy to frame your complaint.

School complaints procedure

Complaints to the Local Authority (LA)

The local authority adheres to the corporate complaint handling procedure, which is detailed in the attached document.

You may reach out to complaintsmanagers@sheffield.gov.uk or call 0114 273 4660. They will forward your concerns onto the relevant team in the council. Utilising this formal process enables you to escalate your complaints to senior management or the ombudsman, if necessary, should you be dissatisfied with the initial outcomes of any investigations.

Make an education complaint | Sheffield City Council

Corporate Complaint Handling Procedure

Complaints to SENDSARS

The SEND Statutory Assessment and Review Service (SENDSARS) are responsible for education, health and care (EHC) needs assessments and maintaining EHC plans.

Official complaints can be made directly to SENDSARS. You can do this using this email -  SENDResolutions@sheffield.gov.uk

SENDSARS adheres to the corporate complaint handling procedure, which is detailed in the Local authorities corporate complaint handling procedure . Utilising this formal process enables you to escalate your complaints to senior management or the ombudsman, if necessary, should you be dissatisfied with the initial outcomes of any investigations.