How to Complain

Sometimes a child cannot get a place in a school.

Sometimes a child can be suspended from school for more than 20 days.

Sometimes a child can be expelled from school for good.

If this happens their parents can appeal the decision to refuse a place or expel or suspend by filling out a form.

This is called a Section 29 Appeal

It is a good idea get help from an advocate or legal person when filling out the form.

The form is sent to the Department of Education and Skills. It must be sent in less than 42 days.

Tell them why the decision was not fair.

If the school is a local Education and Training Board school you must send your appeal form to the Education and Training Board first.

A person called a mediator will come to talk to you about your appeal.

Tell them why the decision was not fair. Give them any letters or reports to support your case.

The mediator will also talk to the school.

The mediator tries to get an agreement.

If the school and parent cannot come to an agreement they will meet an appeal committee of 3 people.

You can bring an advocate or another person with you.

The mediator will send a report to the committee. You should send any letters or reports you have to the committee before the meeting.

You can tell the committee why the school decision was unfair.

The school will say why they made their decision.

You and the committee can ask questions of the school.

The 3 people on the committee will decide if you or the school is right.

The committee will tell the Department of Education their decision.

You will get a letter from the Department of Education with the decision of the committee. The school will also get this letter.

The school will either have to take the child into the school or they will not.

If you are unhappy about the committee decision you could go to court.

If you are unhappy about the committee decision you could contact the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman

Tel: 1800 20 20 40

Email: ococomplaint@oco.ie