The purpose of our complaints policy is to provide clear guidelines for the school community in raising and resolving concerns and complaints.

We have procedures in place that we follow to ensure that complaints are handled appropriately. Our procedures enable us to:

• maintain the best learning environment for our students

• resolve matters of concern early, if possible

• respond to feedback and concerns constructively

• deal with complaints fairly, effectively, and promptly

• take into account individual circumstances

• maintain confidentiality

• preserve school/community relationships and communication

• monitor and record complaints and concerns about student safety

To access all policy and procedures,  please visit the site at http://westmelton.schooldocs.co.nz/ (note that there's no "www"!). Our username is westmelton and password education Type 'complaints' into the search bar to access the complaints procedure.

Most complaints can be resolved informally by discussions with the people concerned. The school also has a procedure for making a formal complaint, as per the attached document below, if informal discussion doesn't resolve the issue.

Generally, an anonymous complaint cannot be processed unless there is a sound legal reason for protecting the identity of the complainant.