As a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance (PLA) we aim to provide the highest quality education and care for all our children. We aim to offer a welcome to each individual child and family and to provide a warm and caring environment within which all children can learn and develop as they play. We believe children and parents are entitled to expect courtesy and prompt, careful attention to their needs and wishes. Our intention is to work in partnership with parents and the community generally and we welcome suggestions on how to improve our group at any time.
Complaint against a member of staff
Any complaint against a member of staff should be given in writing to
the registered applicant. The Registered Applicant and the Committee Chair
will investigate the allegation.
If necessary the Registered Applicant
will inform OFSTED and
or Cheshire County Council Child
Protection Unit.
If necessary the staff member will be requested to take a leave of absence
whilst the investigation is ongoing.
As always these matters will be dealt with in strict confidence the people involved will be asked not to discuss the matter with anyone other than people conducting the investigation. The committee will react appropriately to the findings of any investigation.
Parents can also contact the local Child Protection Unit and or OFSTED directly.
Making concerns known
1 A parent who is uneasy
about any aspect of the group’s provision should first of all talk over
any worries and anxieties with the Pre-School leader.
2 If this does not have a satisfactory outcome the parent should put the concerns or complaint in writing and request a meeting with the Pre-School leader and the chair of the management committee. Both parents and the leader should have a friend or partner present if required and an agreed written record of the discussion should be made.
Most complaints should be resolved informally or at this initial stage
• If parent and group cannot reach agreement, it might be helpful to invite an external mediator, one who is acceptable to both parties, to listen to both sides and offer advice. A mediator has no legal powers but can help to clarify the situation. Staff or volunteers within the PLA will be available to act as mediator if both parties wish it.
The role of the registered authority
In some circumstances,
it will be necessary to bring in the local authority Registration and Inspection
Unit, which has a duty to ensure laid down requirements
are adhered to and with whom the PLA works in partnership to encourage
high standards. The registering authority would be involved if a child
appeared to be at risk or where there seemed to be a possible breach of
the registration requirements.
Parents wishing to investigate a complaint if they feel Pre-School have not dealt with it satisfactorily may contact OFSTED on 0845 6014772.
We believe that most complaints are made constructively and can be sorted out at an early stage. We also believe that it is in the best interest of the Pre-School and parents that complaints should be taken seriously and dealt with fairly and in a way that respects confidentiality.