IPPN

Published: 17 January 2024

What is the status of the PCP?

The PCP is an agreement between INTO and the various School Management Bodies in relation to procedures to be followed in the event of a parent wishing to make a complaint against a teacher.
What is IPPN recommending to school leaders in relation to the Revised PCP?
Ní hé lá na gaoithe lá na scolb!!

It is suggested that school leaders:

• bring the Revised PCP to the attention of all stakeholders of the school community through the website, the Parents’ Council and BoM
• encourage all stakeholders to discuss it and to be prepared to use it in a reasonable and constructive manner, adhering to the procedures and stages
• ask the BoM to adopt the Revised PCP as school policy.

There have been instances of confusion in relation to when a parent is required to formalise the complaint as a written complaint. This only arises where there is no resolution at Stage 1 (Discussion), which is designed to facilitate discussions between the parents and the teacher in the first instance, and, if necessary, with the principal and chair of the BoM. Stage 2 (Written) is initiated by a written complaint from the parent to the Chair of the BoM.

How does the Revised PCP issued in December 2023 differ from the original PCP?
Essentially, the updated PCP has been rewritten and reformatted to make it easier to access and understand for all concerned. The previous PCP had 5 Stages. Whereas the procedures are essentially the same, the Revised PCP consists of just 4 Stages with timelines: -

Stage 1 Discussion
1.1 Parent meets with Teacher. If the issue is not resolved, then
1.2 Parent meets with Principal. If the issue is not resolved, then
1.3 Parent meets with Chair of BoM. If the issue is not resolved, then

Stage 2 Written (10 Days)
2.1 Written complaint sent to Chair of BoM
2.2 Chair provides copy of complaint to Teacher
2.3 Chair convenes meeting(s) between Teacher and Parent to resolve matter. If the issue is not resolved, then

Stage 3 Board of Management (20 Days)
3.1 Chair makes a formal report to the BoM
3.2 Complaint concluded. BoM decides
a. Complaint is vexatious/frivolous
b. Complaint has already been investigated by the BoM
c. Complaint should be dealt with through a relevant Circular
d. Complaint has been referred to law
3.3 Proceed to a Hearing. Complaint should be investigated by the BoM

Stage 4 Decision (5 Days)
4.1 Written decision of BoM communicated to Parent and Teacher by Chair
4.2 Complaint concluded as decision of BoM is final