Resolving issues with parents

Use these tips to help improve communication with parents in your school.

If you’ve had to stop a complaints investigation due to aggressive behaviour from parents/carers, you still need to carry out the process set out in your policy. Find out how to proceed fairly and safely for all involved.

Read about best practice for dealing with persistent or aggressive complaints. Find out how to use your complaints procedure to close a complaint and stop responding.

If parents wish to withdraw their child from a subject due to their faith, read our article for help with finding a compromise.

You should never be expected to tolerate abusive, aggressive, or threatening behaviour from parents or carers. Find out when you can stop a meeting or interaction that has become unsafe, what your legal standing is, and how to end the meeting professionally.

When the updated requirements come into force in September 2026, you'll need to comply with the new rule that parents/carers can ask to view all your RSHE materials. Learn ways to do this and save time with our adaptable response letters.

Complaints can be a big worry for all involved. Be clear on how to investigate complaints about your school, and download our checklist to help you carry out a formal investigation.

Data protection legislation doesn't apply to parents/carers and pupils recording meetings or conversations for their own personal use. Find out how you can respond to any recordings made of your staff.

All parents have a right to participate in decisions about their child's education. Understand what your school has a responsibility to do, and how to avoid common conflicts.

Learn how to help prevent inappropriate social media use by parents/carers, and how to respond when it does happen. Download our internet acceptable use agreement and template letters to address incidents and make your expectations clear.