Complaints to children and families services

Sometimes we do not get things right first time or you might feel that we could have given you a better service. If we have got something wrong or you are unhappy about something then we want you to tell us.

If you are not happy with the support that you or someone you are close to is receiving, it is your right to complain. This gives us the opportunity to make changes and to try and put things right. We will always take your complaint seriously and we are committed to resolving complaints with you.

Before you complain

First of all, if you feel comfortable doing so, you should tell the people providing the service about your concerns so they have a chance to put things right. For example, if you are unhappy with the service you have received speak to a supervisor or manager if you can.

If you are a child of young person with a social worker or a care leaver up to 25 and would like support to make a complaint, you can speak to the Leeds Children’s Rights Service on 0113 239 5570. You could also ask a friend, carer or relative to help.

How to complain

The quickest and easiest way to make a complaint is by using our compliments and complaints feedback form.

If you are complaining on behalf of a child include their name and date of birth in the form.

We understand your complaint best when it is written clearly and briefly in your own words.

Make a complaint about children and families services

Complaints about schools

It’s important to remember that schools are self-governing bodies. This means they have their own policies and procedures, and they should follow them. If you remain unhappy, the policy will explain how to escalate your complaint Leeds City Council is not an escalation route for school complaints.

The school’s complaints policy should be available on its website. If you cannot find it online, you can ask the school for a paper copy.

Parentkind guide

Parentkind, in partnership with the Department for Education and Ofsted, has produced a helpful resource to support you to raise concerns and resolve issues with your school quickly, positively and effectively. It also includes practical tips on how to raise a complaint well if you need to.

The guide also sets out how schools and parents can work together to resolve problems early, without needing to make a formal complaint. It may help to read the Parentkind advice before deciding what to do next.

Read the 'Parent guide to schools complaints'.