Many parents find it daunting even going to an informal meeting. Here are some ideas that may help. Remember that at this point the priority is to share your concerns and explore possible ways forward.

• Be prepared – have a written list of your points. It may help to give a copy at the beginning of the meeting.
• Be tactful – think carefully about how you put your points across.
• Listen carefully to what the school, the local authority or health says and try to see both sides of the situation.
• Be open minded but don’t be fobbed off if you feel your complaint isn’t being taken seriously.
• Take someone with you to support you and to take notes.
• Tick off the points on your list as you go along to make sure you don’t miss anything.
• Note any points and any agreements.
• At the end get a summary of what has been agreed even if it is only that the school, the local authority or health will look into the situation.
• Set some deadlines and arrange a further meeting to check progress.
• Thank the member of staff for taking the time to meet you.

If you can’t reach agreement, you may be able to make a formal complaint.