Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the actions of a school in relation to safeguarding, governance, and whistleblowing. This is because the complaint concerns the actions of a school, not the Council, and a legal bar prevents us investigating these matters.

The complaint

1. Mrs X said a school failed in matters of safeguarding, governance and whistleblowing. She said the Council failed to intervene.

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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)

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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 is a matter for a school, not the Council. We are legally prevented from investigating any complaint about the actions of a school.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman