✔ Step 1 — Confirm Your Child’s Safety
Ask the school one calm question: “Is my child safe right now?”
- Ensure they are supervised.
- Ensure they are not distressed or isolated.
- Ensure all adults are speaking neutrally.
✔ Step 2 — Request Neutral Information (ONLY)
Do not discuss causes or blame yet. Ask:
- “When did the incident occur?”
- “Which staff were present?”
- “Has an incident report been started?”
- “Has the principal seen the information yet?”
Important:
Do not provide explanations, context or apologies.
You are gathering facts, not defending anything.
✔ Step 3 — Document Everything Immediately
- Time of the call
- Who you spoke with
- Exact words used
- Anything the school asked you to confirm
- Any instructions to pick up your child
✔ Step 4 — Ask If This Is a Formal Suspension
If the school asks you to collect your child, ask:
“Can you please confirm whether this is a formal suspension under Ministerial Order 1125, or if my child is being sent home for another reason?”
This distinction matters legally.
✔ Step 5 — Do Not Discuss Adjustments Yet
Save this for after you receive documents. This avoids accidental agreement with an incorrect version of events.
✔ Step 6 — Request Required Same-Day Documents
State neutrally:
“I’ll wait to review the written documents before discussing next steps.
Could you please send the required incident information today?”
These required documents are explained fully in 1C — What the School Must Provide Same Day.