Complaints procedure
How to make a complaint to Ofsted about services we inspect and/or regulate, or about Ofsted鈥檚 representatives or service.
Complain about a provider Ofsted inspects or regulates
The first step is always to raise any issues with the school, service or provider by completing their full complaints procedure. Most issues can be resolved in this way.
We may not be able to accept your complaint if you have not done this already.
If you think a child is at risk, contact the children鈥檚 social care team at their local council or call your local police on 101. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
Complain about a school
Find out how to complain about a school. If you complain about a school to Ofsted, this does not mean we will carry out an inspection because of your complaint. Our inspectors may discuss issues raised in your complaint with the school when they carry out their usual inspection.
Complain about Ofsted
There are 2 processes to submit a complaint about an inspection, regulatory event or incident based on the date of the event:
- if the event happened before or on 4 April 2024
- if the event happened after 4 April 2024
Complain about childcare
Ofsted鈥檚 powers here are limited: we cannot resolve disputes between you and the provider. Our role is to make sure that the childcare provider or agency is following all聽registration requirements聽and to take action if necessary.
Ofsted does not regulate childminders that are registered with a childminding agency. Complaints about a childminder registered with an agency should be made to the agency. If you are not happy with the agency鈥檚 response, you can then complain to Ofsted about the agency.
To complain about a childcare provider or childminder agency, get in touch with us at聽[email protected]聽or 0300 123 4666.
If you complain, we will review the information you provide and decide what to do. We may carry out an immediate inspection, ask the provider to take action or work with other agencies to look at any issues.
However, we will not contact you to let you know the outcome.
You can find out more about our powers in 鈥業nformation for parents about Ofsted鈥檚 role in regulating childcare鈥�.
Complain about further education or apprenticeships
You need to follow the organisation鈥檚 complaints procedure. If you鈥檙e still not happy, complain to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
Complain about children鈥檚 social care
It鈥檚 usually best to talk to the social care establishment or agency first.
Find out more about how to raise concerns about children鈥檚 social care with Ofsted.
Complain about local council (local authority) children鈥檚 services
You need to complain directly to the local council (local authority). If you have followed their complaints procedure and are still unhappy, contact the .
Complain about children and family court services
You need to .