Complaints Policy for Early Years Settings (2025)

Complaints Policy for Early Years Settings – Clear, Transparent & Parent-Focused

A policy to be used in Early Years detailing how parents can make complaints and specific processes. This is a mandatory document and is editable for your school or setting.

Our Complaints Policy for Early Years settings is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide designed to ensure that parents, carers, and stakeholders can raise concerns with confidence and clarity. Fully aligned with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Ofsted requirements, this policy outlines how concerns are handled promptly, professionally, and transparently.

This policy supports early years providers in fostering trusting relationships with families, offering clear procedures for informal concerns and formal complaints. It includes detailed steps for escalation, response times, record-keeping, and the role of external agencies such as Ofsted.

Key features of this Early Years Complaints Policy include:

• Clear guidance on how to raise a concern or make a formal complaint

• Defined timelines for response and resolution

• Stages of the complaints process, including escalation procedures

• Procedures for recording, investigating, and responding to complaints

• Information on when and how to contact Ofsted

• Commitment to confidentiality, respect, and fairness

• Staff responsibilities and communication with parents/carers

Ideal for nurseries, pre-schools, childminders, and early years practitioners, this policy promotes a positive, responsive culture where families feel heard and valued.

Ensure your setting is fully compliant with the EYFS and demonstrates best practice with this essential policy document—designed to meet the highest standards of safeguarding, accountability, and parent partnership.

Please also see our other policies here. 

Last updated June 2025