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

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Environmental Services Support Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£25,183 - £25,584
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Environmental Services Support Officer to join our Environment Directorate. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner