Parents Handbook

21/22 There may be times when a boarder feels he cannot talk to a member of staff – this is perfectly alright. He can talk, telephone or write to any of the following people: Priory Doctors Surgery, 24 Priory Avenue, High Wycombe 01494 448132 Child Line 0800 1111 The Samaritans 116 123 Cruse Bereavement Care 0808 808 1677 Mr Steve Gamester – an independent listener 01628 531486 Children’s Commissioner 0800 528 0731 LADO Buckinghamshire (Safe-guarding/Child Protection) 01296 382 070 Shout 85258 (text service) CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) www.ceop.police.uk What if a boarder wants to make a formal complaint? The first thing he should do is talk to any member of staff he can trust; he can take someone with him if he wishes – a friend or an older student. It is important for him to realise that, if he is in trouble, he can have someone with him when he talks to the Head of Boarding, the Housemaster, the Assistant Housemaster, the Boarding Tutors or any senior member of staff in the school. If the matter cannot be settled to his satisfaction easily, then he can make a formal complaint. This is the procedure: He can write to the Head of Boarding or the Headmaster to say that he would like to make a formal complaint. The complaint will be logged in the “Complaints Book” held in the boarding house. He will then be told that his letter has been received and is being attended to. He will be asked to discuss the matter either with the Deputy Head with special responsibility for boarding or the Headmaster. He can have someone with him – either a fellow pupil or a member of staff. If, within a few days, the matter has not been satisfactorily sorted out, he may contact any of the people whose names, telephone numbers and addresses are listed above. Whoever he may contact or speak to – again he may have someone with him – they will advise him about what course seems sensible. At this stage it will be up to the boarder to make a decision acting on this advice. BOARDERS DO NOT NEED TO BE AFRAID TO COMPLAIN We would like to help, whether the problem is in or out of school or the boarding house. If a Parent/Guardian wishes to complain then initially please contact the Head of Boarding. If it is a formal complaint, we will follow the same procedure as outlined above.