Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr X’s complaint. This is because we cannot investigate complaints about what happens in schools and colleges. The complaint is therefore outside our jurisdiction with no discretion to investigate.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains his college failed to make reasonable adjustments to help him.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. We cannot investigate complaints about what happens in schools and colleges. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5, paragraph 5(b), as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

4. I considered Mr X’s complaint to the Ombudsman and the information he provided. I also gave Mr X the opportunity to comment on a draft statement before reaching a final decision on his complaint.

Back to top

What I found

5. Mr X complains his college failed to make reasonable adjustments when he told it about his health problems.
6. The Local Government Act says we cannot consider complaints about what happens in schools or other educational establishment maintained by a council. Mr X’s complaint is therefore outside the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction with no discretion to investigate.

Back to top

Final decision

7. The Ombudsman cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint. This is because the complaint is outside our jurisdiction with no discretion to investigate.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman