Summary: We cannot investigate Ms X’s complaint about a school’s decision to close between 19 and 23 January and the action taken to address mould in classrooms. The law prevents us considering complaints about the management of schools.

The complaint

1. Ms X complained to the Council about the closure of her son’s school between 19 and 23 January 2026 when mould was found in classrooms. She wanted the Council to pay compensation for loss of earnings, the impact on her mental health, her child’s education and his mental health. She is concerned about the school’s susceptibility to mould next winter.

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 most complaints about what happens in schools. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5, paragraph 5(2), as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

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

Back to top

My assessment

6. I have carefully considered everything Ms X said, although I have not included every detail here. I have included as few details as possible to protect the anonymity of Ms X and her son.
7. The school decided to close when mould was found in classrooms after a prolonged period of cold and damp weather during the holidays. The school re-opened in less than a week following the installation of a new boiler and a deep clean.
8. We cannot investigate Ms X’s complaint because the law prevents us considering complaints about the management of schools. This applies to the decision to close the school, and the remedial action taken to address the mould that was found in classrooms.

Back to top

Final decision

9. We cannot investigate Ms X’s complaint because the law prevents us from considering complaints about the management of schools.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman