Sample Letter for Parents

Parent’s Address

School’s Address

Date (Very Important)

Dear [Name of Headteacher]

Re: [Child’s Full Name and Class Year]

I/We are writing to request an urgent appointment with you to discuss a serious issue our son/daughter has recently brought to our attention.

We also ask that [child’s name] is not approached or questioned by you or any other member of staff regarding the reason for this meeting.

We look forward to a prompt response to our request.

Yours sincerely

Mr/Mrs [Parent Name]

Notes for Parents

• This letter can be sent by post, emailed directly to the Headteacher, or hand-delivered.

• Do not ask your child to deliver it themselves.

Due to the limited detail in the letter, staff may contact you to ask about the issue. You can calmly explain that you prefer to wait until the meeting, as the matter is highly sensitive.

Mentioning “bullying” before the meeting may unintentionally alert the perpetrators — increasing the risk of retaliation and emotional harm to your child.

After the Meeting Begins

Once the Headteacher is informed and the aggressors named, they should immediately notify the other parents that serious allegations have been made about their child’s behaviour towards another pupil.

At this stage, it is advisable to request no further action beyond notification. Quiet interventions — such as informal chats with the bullies — have often proved ineffective.

Emotional Dynamics

No parent wants to hear that their child is harming another. They may become defensive, disbelieving, or protective.

Even so, the school must carry out its duty. Victim’s parents should remain calm but firm in insisting that appropriate steps are taken.

Once all parties are aware, it is beholden on them to act — setting aside personal bias and approaching the issue with clarity and fairness.

Parental behaviour is paramount in ensuring no child suffers due to mismanagement or emotional escalation.

(Children Under Risk from Bullying)