Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the actions of a school. There is an absolute bar that prevents us investigating complaints about the actions of schools.

The complaint

1. Mrs X said a teacher at her son’s special school abused him and provided false information at a review of his Education Health and Care Plan.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We cannot investigate complaints about what happens in schools. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5, paragraph 5(b), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

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

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Final decision

5. We cannot investigate Mrs X’s complaint because it concerns the actions of a school, not the Council, and there is an absolute bar in the Local Government Act 1974 that prevents us investigating such complaints.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman