Independent body to handle education complaints

Under the current system, parents are only able to appeal to an independent body in the case of permanent exclusions. Otherwise they must follow the school's complaints procedure.

The new system will preserve the role of the complaints procedure, but parents who feel that their complaint on issues such as bullying, fixed-term exclusions or special educational needs provision has not been handled properly will now be able to go to the Local Government Ombudsman.

Clem Henricson, director of research and policy at the Family and Parenting Institute, said: "It is important that, as with any system or procedure relating to schools and education, parents are given support - an advocate would be helpful."

The plans are part of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill, which is due to get its second reading today (23 February).