Complaints
What do I do if I have a complaint or concern about my childcare?
How do I make a complaint about a school?
How do I make a complaint about a college?
Q. What do I do if I have a complaint or concern about my childcare?
A. Contact the Ofsted helpline on 08456 404040, or email us at enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. We have also produced a leaflet and a factsheet:
- the leaflet gives information about how to raise your concerns with a provider; how to raise your concerns with us; what we can and will do when you complain to us; and our enforcement and other powers. Read or download the leaflet, 'Concerns and complaints about childminders and childcare providers'
- the factsheet gives further information on our role in investigating concerns about childcare providers. Read or download the factsheet, 'Investigating complaints or concerns about registered childminders and childcare providers'
Q. How do I make a complaint about a school?
A. Ofsted is not responsible for individual complaints about the day-to-day running of a school. The chain of complaint is: 1) headteacher 2) governing body 3) local education authority 4) Department for Children, Schools and Families. Guidance on school issues can be obtained from DCSF public enquiries (0870 000 2288). Complaints have to be made in writing (Complaints.peu@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk). As a parent of a child at a school, you will be informed when a school is about to be inspected. The inspection team cannot investigate or comment on individual complaints, but will look for examples of the school's compliance with its own policies.
Q. How do I make a complaint about a college?
A. Please contact the Learning and Skills Council – complaints@lsc.gov.uk.