William Eichler 12 September 2019

Council criticised after SEN child left without education for over a year

Worcestershire County Council’s complaints policy has been criticised after a boy with special educational needs was left without appropriate education for 14 months.

The boy, who has Special Educational Needs (SEN), had to stop attending primary school in December 2017 because he required two-to-one support and struggled with mainstream education.

He was kept on the roll at the school, despite not being able to return, and was not provided any suitable alternative educational provision until February 2019.

Instead, he received just one hour a week of intervention and play therapy.

An investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found that in response to the boy’s mother’s complaints the council twice confirmed there was no appropriate alternative education locally.

They also failed to issue a new Education, Health and Care plan for the boy or write to his mother refusing to do so. This meant the mother was denied the right to challenge the council through the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Tribunal.

The council has apologised and will pay the mother £4,200 to use for her son’s benefit and issue an up-to-date EHC plan for the boy.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner