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Complaints (Pupil)

In accordance with the requirements of the Children Act (1989), the school has a "Complaints Procedure" which is given to all pupils which highlights the routes they can follow if they feel that they are fed up or unhappy, if they feel they are being treated unfairly, if they are being bullied, if there are problems at home, if they are being subject to improper physical advances etc.

In essence the complaints procedure incorporates the following elements:

1. Something is making you unhappy or worried. What can you do?

Is there a friend who can help?

Is there an older boy or girl you can talk to?

2. What about someone who is pastorally responsible for you?

Can you talk to your Tutor, Year Head, House Head or Matron (boarders)? They are here to help you.

3. Is there any other member of staff you can trust?

What about the Chaplain or the Health Centre Nurses? You may always go directly to the Deputy Head or to the Headmaster.

4. There may be circumstances when you would find it easier to talk to someone who is not a member of staff.

This could be your parents. Alternatively, several days a week, Miss Nuala Buffini, the School Counsellor is in the Health Centre. You can contact her in person or by e-mail:- nuala.buffini@caterhamschool.co.uk

In addition you might consider Childline (telephone: 0800 1111) or the NSPCC (telephone 0800 800 5000).

5. Suppose you are still worried. You may feel that the matter is so important you wish to take it further. What do you do?

Speak to any member of staff or adult whom you trust. You do not need to be on your own when you do this; you can have a friend with you, an older pupil or another member of staff.

6. If the matter is not dealt with to your satisfaction, you can make a formal statement.

Write to your Year Head, the Chaplain, the Deputy Head or Headmaster. Your "complaint" will be registered in the Record Book held by the Deputy Head. You will be invited to talk the problem through (you may have a friend or adult with you). You will be advised of the course of action to be taken.