Raising Concerns

At Mitcham Primary School, we value cooperative and collaborative problem-solving. We are also committed to the principles of respect, responsibility, and resilience. We are committed to the resolution of concerns and to the mediation of differences over which we have influence. We trust that parents feel confident to raise issues or concerns with us as soon as they arise.

The following guidelines may assist if you have a concern:

1. Identify the concern

It may be a classroom, yard, behaviour, policy, performance, group, or individual concern. Sometimes you may need assistance to clarify the nature of your concern. Asking questions of the class teacher is usually the most effective process. 

2. Raise the concern

by arranging to speak to the person who knows most about the situation. In most cases it will be the classroom teacher, but may be a member of the school's leadership team. Occasionally, issues about policy may be referred to the Governing Council. Each of these sources can be approached via a note in the child’s diary or a telephone call to the front office.

3. Ensure that time is made available

for the resolution or mediation of the concern. Sometimes preparation or investigation of information is required to reach a satisfactory outcome. At this time it is important to respect the fact that competing priorities may require a degree of patience.

4. Ensure that the outcome is satisfactory

via discussions between parties, agreement on actions or outcomes, and that there is a plan for monitoring and review of the situation.

5. Should the concern not be resolved

or mediated at the classroom level to your satisfaction, you may choose to refer the matter to a member of the school's leadership team.

6. Should the concern not be resolved or mediated at the school level

to your satisfaction, you may choose to refer the matter to the Parent Complaint Unit. Its officers will assume that you have attempted to resolve your concern at the school.

Expectations

Everyone involved in the process can expect an opportunity to express their concern and be treated fairly, equitably, and with respect. Concerns will be treated confidentially and an appropriate response will be provided.