Summary: We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint about his dealings with a school. The law prevents us from investigating complaints about the management of schools.

The complaint

1. Mr X complains his son changed schools without his knowledge or consent. He complains the school failed to inform him or ask his views even though he has joint parental responsibility and a Child Arrangements Order. He complained to the school and the Council and is unhappy with their responses.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate most complaints about what happens in schools. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5, paragraph 5(2), as amended)
3. We cannot investigate the actions of a council dealing with a complaint about these matters. (R (M) –v- CLAE [2006] EWHC 2847)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the complainant.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. Mr X’s complaint concerns the management of a school. The law prevents us from investigating complaints about the management of schools.
7. Mr X complained to the Council about the school. We cannot investigate his complaint about the Council’s response either.

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Final decision

8. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because the law prevents us from investigating complaints about the management of schools.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman