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  • Independent Complaints Adjudication Service for Ofsted

    Application Form

    Please read this carefully before completing the application form.

    The role of the Independent Complaints Adjudication Service for Ofsted (ICASO) is to review the way in which Ofsted has responded to complaints made by any member of the public who has been affected by the actions or decisions of Ofsted, provided that the complainant has first exhausted Ofsted’s internal complaints procedure.

    The Independent Complaints Adjudication Service for Ofsted (ICASO) may review a number of alleged failures. These include:

    • any failure by Ofsted to follow its complaints procedure correctly.
    • any failure to respond in a timely manner.
    • any discourtesy by staff.
    • any failure to accept and/or apologise for mistakes.
    • any particular issue/s with conduct of an inspector or its staff (including contracted staff working on behalf of Ofsted).
    • any issue/s concerning the implementation of inspection, regulatory procedures and subsequent reporting following inspection.

    ICASO is independent of Ofsted and whilst it cannot overturn inspection judgements or decisions made by Ofsted, it may offer an independent view on complaints and provide recommendations, advice and guidance to Ofsted in relation to specific complaints and more generally to help it to achieve best practice in complaints handling procedures. Ofsted does not have to comply with the adjudicators recommendations but, if it does not comply, it must publish its reasons for not doing so.

    The Independent Complaints Adjudication Service for Ofsted is accountable to DfE (Department for Education) and is obliged to produce an Annual Report on its work.

    If you require assistance in completing this form please contact ICASO on 0207 520 3800 or refer to our website for further details on ICASO's rules and procedures.

    Upon receipt of a valid application an adjudicator will be appointed and you will be informed. Please note that we won’t start until the evidence is provided. A copy of your application form and your supporting documentation will be sent to Ofsted for them to summarise the complaint. You will see a copy of their summary and have the opportunity to respond. All communications between the parties and the adjudicator will be exchanged openly throughout the process. 

    PDF Application Form Available  

    If you require a printable version of the application form, to post to us, please click here. We can also send you a paper version, please email applications@cedr.com to arrange this.

    If you would like to post your application in, please download the PDF application form above.

    You can send applications to:
    CEDR Services Ltd
    100 St. Paul's Churchyard
    London
    EC4M 8BU

     

  • Initial Checklist

  • Is your application valid? If you cannot check both boxes your application will be declined.*

  • ICASO Application Form

  • Date of the Ofsted Complaint Response
     - -

  • ICASO can only accept applications 3 months after the date of the Ofsted Complaint Response.

  • About you

    Please provide your full contact details.
  • Role
  •  -
  • Select your preferred method of contact

  • ICASO will normally communicate with you by email unless otherwise requested.

  • Representation

  • Are you applying on behalf of someone?

  • If you have a representative acting for you, please provide their details below.

  •  -
  • Date
     - -

  • Your Complaint

  • In the following sections please give brief details of your complaint and attach any supporting documentation you would like the adjudicator to consider. Please focus on those issues which have not been resolved via the Ofsted internal complaint process.

    The adjudicator cannot investigate or overturn the professional judgements of Ofsted or its inspectors.

    The ICASO Adjudicator can investigate complaints into:

    • failure to follow procedures;
    • failure to respond in a timely manner;
    • alleged discourtesy;
    • failure to apologise or accept mistakes; and
    • inspector / staff conduct.

    The ICASO Adjudicator cannot investigate complaints into:

    • issues relating to government policy or legislation; and
    • issues where there are clear rights of appeal through a Court or Tribunal.

  • Chain of events

  • 0/1500

  • Complaint handling by Ofsted

  • 0/1500

  • Recommendations

    Any recommendations made by the ICASO Adjudicator will not be binding upon Ofsted. However, if Ofsted refuses to comply with the recommendations, they must state publicly their reasons for doing so.
  • 0/1500

  • Evidence

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  • Declarations

  • Data Protection
    This service is administered by CEDR, the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution. CEDR needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about your application. By completing this form you are giving your consent.

    For more information on our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please view our Privacy Policy.

  • Please read the statements below and tick all boxes before signing this form.*
  • Date*
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