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

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Ripon, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Bradley, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner