Complaints Policy
Rationale
Belfast Boys’ Model School is committed to providing high quality education for all pupils within a culture of good relationships and close partnerships between home, school and the community.
We welcome any comments which help us to improve the service we provide and we appreciate the need to have a clear complaints procedure in place so that any expressions of dissatisfaction can be investigated and responded to promptly.
Desired Outcomes
The implementation of the Complaints Policy will ensure the following:
• A complaints system exists which is well publicised and simple to understand.
• Complaints are dealt with fairly and are investigated fully.
• Complaints will be acknowledged promptly.
• Any person making a complaint will receive a full reply within 14 days.
• Information obtained through complaints will, where possible, be used to improve the practice and procedures of Belfast Boys’ Model School.
Guidelines
• A complaint may be made to the school by telephone, e-mail, fax, letter or in person. (please see appendix 1: Useful Contact Details)
• Complaints may be made directly to Heads of Department, Heads of School, Heads of Year or a Vice-Principal.
• Where a complaint is by fax, letter or e-mail, it will be acknowledged within 3 working days.
• A member of staff may be in contact to obtain further details or to seek clarification.
• A full reply to the complaint will be made as soon as possible and no later than fourteen days after the initial contact.
• If the complainant is not satisfied that the issue has been resolved, contact may be made with the Headmaster either by telephone, e-mail, fax, letter or by making an appointment to see him.
• The Headmaster will investigate the complaint and will reply as soon as possible. This will normally be within seven days.
• If the complainant feels that the issue has not been resolved, a letter may be sent to the Chair of the Board of Governors at the School address. The complainant may be invited to meet with the Board of Governors to discuss specific concerns. The decision of the Board of Governors will be made known within 3 working days of the meeting.
• If the complainant feels that the issue has not been resolved, the Chief Executive of the Belfast Education and Library Board may be contacted.
Appendix 1 : Useful Contact Details – 2009 – 2010
Heads of Year:
Year 8 Mr B. Bridges
Year 9 Mr A. Walker
Year 10 Mrs L. Hawthorne
Year 11 Mr S. Mathers
Year 12 Mr A. Todd
Heads of School
Junior School (Yrs 8, 9 & 10) Mr B. Bridges
Middle School (Yrs 11 & 12) Mr A. Todd
Senior School (Yrs 13 & 14) Miss D. Farqhuar
Vice Principals:
Mr A. Ranson
Mr A. Logan
Mrs O. Black (Acting)
Principal:
Mr W. J. Keith
Chair of Board of Governors:
Mr E. McMurran
Reviewed June 2009