Complaints about schools

It is natural that a parent or guardian may from time to time have questions and concerns about their child’s experience in their school. The information on this page aims to answer the questions commonly asked by parents and may also include students over 18 years of age.

This information is not intended to be used as an interpretation of legislation and is not prescriptive. It is provided to inform parents about who they can contact when they have questions or concerns about their child’s experience in school.

The department provides guidance to parents and students on the operation of the schools’ complaint procedures. Complaints can be about matters with staff or the school itself, e.g. class sizes, yard supervision, school transport, underperformance/competence issues or if you feel that you have been treated unfairly when you did complain.

For more information see Schools’ Complaint Procedures - information for parents and students.

If your feel that your child is being bullied in school see our information on Bullying.

Where you suspect your child or another child may have been abused by another child or adult and/or you have a concern for the protection of your child. Severe bullying may also come within this category. See information on Child Protection here.

Under the Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2008 discrimination is unlawful on nine grounds: gender, marital status, family status,sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, membership of the Traveller community and race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin).

If you feel that your child has been discriminated against in their education and you have previously raised this matter with your school and remain unhappy with their response, you can access information on your rights from The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. You can access this information via their website at https://www.ihrec.ie/

Your rights Information line Telephone: 01 858 3000 (opening hours from Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 1.00 pm)

Workplace Relations Commission

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) now deals with all complaints of discrimination in employment and access to goods and services. These complaints (formerly handled by the Equality Tribunal whose functions were transferred to the WRC on 1 October 2015). Further information about the complaints procedure and complaint forms can be obtained via their website https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/

Related

School policies