King David High School, Liverpool (20 001 119)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 21-Jan-2021

Summary: Mrs Q complained an independent appeals panel had failed to properly consider her appeal for a school place for her son, R. This had caused the family significant distress. The investigation found evidence of fault and the school has agreed to hold a fresh appeal.

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (20 008 102)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 18-Jan-2021

Summary: We will not investigate Ms X’s complaint the Council delayed and imposed unreasonable conditions on a child performance licence. The claimed injustice is not significant enough to justify an investigation.

North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council (20 004 297)

Statement Not upheld Covid-19 06-Jan-2021

Summary: Miss Q complained an independent appeals panel had failed to properly consider her appeal for a school place for her daughter, R. This had caused the family significant distress. The investigation found no evidence of fault.

All Hallows R C High School (20 001 988)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 04-Jan-2021

Summary: Mr Q complained an independent appeals panel had failed to properly consider his appeal for a school place for his daughter, R. This had caused the family significant distress. There is evidence of fault and the school has agreed to hold a fresh appeal.

Kent County Council (20 003 233)

Statement Not upheld Covid-19 04-Jan-2021

Summary: Ms X complained that the Council failed to provide support from the Disabled Children’s Service for her severely disabled son during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have decided not to investigate the complaint further. This is because the issues in the complaint overlap with another complaint we are already investigating.

Archbishop Beck Catholic College (20 000 531)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 17-Dec-2020

Summary: We upheld Mr X’s complaint about an unsuccessful school appeal for his son, Y. The panel did not ensure Y’s mother could take part in the hearing. This caused uncertainty the panel had all the information it needed to make an informed decision. The Admission Authority will offer a fresh appeal for Y, ensuring both parents can take part.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council (20 002 298)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 17-Dec-2020

Summary: Miss V complained an independent appeal panel had failed to act fairly when considering her daughter, W’s, case for a place at the school of her choice. This caused huge distress to Miss V and W. The Council has agreed to convene a fresh appeal panel, with a new clerk, to hear the case.

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council (20 007 166)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Covid-19 17-Dec-2020

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s children’s services’ involvement at this time. This is because the courts are currently involved, and the scope of our investigation and any assessment of injustice caused to the family relies on the outcome of the court process. It is open to Mr X to bring his complaint back to us after those proceedings have finished.

St Bede's Catholic High School, Ormskirk (20 001 337)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 11-Dec-2020

Summary: Miss X complained about the arrangements for her appeal for a place for her son at the School. We find there was fault in failing to send her a notice of the hearing which caused her to miss out on putting questions to the appeal panel. There was also fault in the way the panel decided on the format of the appeal under the temporary COVID-19 rules. Miss X has already been offered another hearing. We recommend some changes in procedure.

Norfolk County Council (20 004 397)

Statement Upheld Covid-19 04-Dec-2020

Summary: Miss Q complained an independent appeals panel had failed to properly consider her appeal for a school place for her daughter, R. This had caused the family significant upset. The Council has agreed to offer a fresh appeal.