Written question asked by Tony Wright (Labour) on Thursday, 13 April 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 May 2000. It was answered by Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour) on Thursday, 4 May 2000 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, When he expects to proceed with regulations requiring school governing bodies to establish a complaints system. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Dr. Tony Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects to proceed with regulations requiring school governing bodies to establish a complaints system. [119645] Ms Estelle Morris: My right hon. Friend has no immediate plans to do so, especially as the majority of schools have their own complaints procedures. We have to balance the advantages of setting out national minimum requirements against the disadvantages of introducing another bureaucratic burden. School staff should respond seriously to parental concerns and complaints, to avoid the need for them to go to governing bodies. And governing bodies, in their own interests, should have effective mechanisms in place for handling any parental complaints that do reach them, so that difficulties are resolved swiftly and fairly.

Secondary information