Milton Keynes Council (19 020 623)

Statement Upheld Special educational needs 02-Mar-2021

Summary: We upheld Miss X’s complaint about the Council’s handling of her daughter Y’s education, health and care (EHC) plan and education provision. The Council delayed holding a review and arranging alternative provision for Y. There were also errors in the way it amended Y’s plan before she moved to secondary school. The Council will apologise, make a payment to Miss X and Y to remedy the injustice caused, and review how it amends plans when children move between primary and secondary school.

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (19 002 856)

Statement Upheld Special educational needs 01-Mar-2021

Summary: We upheld Mrs X’s complaint about the Council’s handling of her daughter’s education, health and care plan. The Council caused delays, demonstrated unprofessional practice, and failed to secure the provision Mrs X’s daughter required. The Council will apologise and make a payment to recognise the distress and frustration it caused Mrs X, and the loss of provision for her daughter. It will also take action to improve its service to other families.

Milton Keynes Council (19 020 371)

Statement Upheld Special educational needs 01-Mar-2021

Summary: We upheld Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s handling of his son D’s education, health and care plan. The Council failed to secure the provision in the plan while D was out of school. It also delayed in reviewing the plan when D moved into the area and finalising an amended plan. This caused uncertainty and frustration for Mr X. The Council will apologise and make a payment to Mr X and D. It will also remind staff of the timescales for reviewing and amending plans.

Derby City Council (20 007 253)

Statement Upheld School admissions 01-Mar-2021

Summary: The Council is at fault for withdrawing an offer of a place for Ms X’s child at her preferred school when she moved to a new house. The Council failed to establish the relevant facts and apply its Admissions Policy to Ms X’s case. The appeal panel failed to consider if the policy was properly applied. The Council should re-offer the place.

St Bede's Catholic High School, Ormskirk (20 002 466)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 26-Feb-2021

Summary: Miss X complained that the independent appeal panel which heard her appeal for a place at the School for her son did not allow her to attend a remote hearing and did not consider her evidence properly. We find there was fault by the appeal panel in the way it considered the appeal. The School has agreed to offer a fresh hearing.

Bracknell Forest Council (20 002 959)

Statement Upheld Special educational needs 26-Feb-2021

Summary: Mrs X complains the Council delayed in issuing the final Education, Health and Care (ECH) plan for her son. She also complains the Council failed to provide suitable full-time education for her son after she stopped home education. We find fault with the Council. We have made recommendations.

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (20 004 507)

Statement Upheld Special educational needs 26-Feb-2021

Summary: There was an eleven month delay in issuing an EHC plan. While the Council has accepted fault and offered a financial remedy, this is lower than the Ombudsman would usually recommend. A recommendation to increase the payment is made.

London Borough of Redbridge (20 001 280)

Statement Not upheld School admissions 25-Feb-2021

Summary: the complainant complained the Council did not give proper notice of a change in its schools’ admissions policy and failed to properly consider his application for a school place. The Council said it amended the policy following an adjudication by the Office of the Schools Adjudicator and its appeals panel properly considered the appeal against the decision on the application. We find the Council acted without fault.

Hertfordshire County Council (19 009 098)

Statement Not upheld School transport 24-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr A complained regarding the Council’s school transport charges for his disabled son. He said he could not afford them, and they were unfair. We find there is no fault by the Council regarding the contributions it has charged.

Worcestershire County Council (20 002 208)

Statement Upheld Special educational needs 24-Feb-2021

Summary: Mr G complained the Council delayed finalising his daughter’s, X, Education Health and Care Plan. He said it failed to provide her with suitable alternative provision when she was out of school due to ill health. Mr G also complained about the Council’s delay in dealing with his complaint. The Council was at fault for the delays in the Education Health Care Plan completion and dealing with Mr G’s complaint. This has caused Mr G’s family significant distress and time and trouble. The Council will take action to remedy the injustice.