Laura Sharman 18 February 2021

Cornwall to improve oversight of outsourced alternative education provision

Cornwall to improve oversight of outsourced alternative education provision image

Cornwall Council will conduct an audit of all children unable to attend school to ensure they are receiving suitable education following an investigation by the ombudsman.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman carried out the investigation after a boy with mental health problems was left without appropriate alternative education for a number of months.

The ombudsman found the council did not have sufficient scrutiny of this education, which was outsourced and provided by an academy. It also failed to follow the correct process for when a child is out of education for a period.

Michael King, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, said: ‘Because the council did not have proper oversight of the process, the boy was left without education for four months. The council relied on schools to make decisions for which it had a statutory duty to make.

’While councils can contract out services to independent providers, they cannot contract out responsibility and remain ultimately answerable for any problems which may occur.’

Cornwall Council has accepted all the recommendations from the ombudsman and will review its policies and procedures.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Climate Change Project Manager - Braintree District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £45498.0000 per annum
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Braintree Council to recruit this Climate Change Project Manager. To apply for this role please click here
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Occupational Therapist in Housing

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid
This opportunity is available as a 24 month fixed term contract or secondment opportunity.We're an adult social care service that wants to see citize England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
In our Family Assessment and Support Team, you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Richmond, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Relief Children's Residential Edge of Care Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£16.35 - £17.85
Here in North Yorkshire, we have several services that support and empower children. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Chief Executive

Leicestershire County Council
Up to £234,171
This is a rare opportunity to lead a council with both strength and ambition at a time of change. Leicestershire
Recuriter: Leicestershire County Council
Linkedin Banner