Bury Metropolitan Borough Council (25 019 003)

Category: Education Date: 06-Sep-2026

Summary

The Council failed to complete an annual review of an Education, Health and Care Plan, held during an ongoing appeal, in line with Statutory Regulations. This meant provision that may have been added to the Plan was delayed until the end of the appeal. The Council also failed to meet statutory timeframes for amending the Plan after the Tribunal order, but this did not, on the balance of probabilities, cause significant injustice. The Council has agreed to apologise, make a symbolic financial payment to acknowledge the uncertainty and distress, and make service improvements.

Service improvements

Bury Metropolitan Borough Council (25 018 045)

Category: Education Date: 02-Sep-2026

Summary

Miss X complained about the Council’s handling of her child Y’s special educational needs between June 2024 and May 2025. We found the Council at fault because it failed to complete the annual review process within the statutory timescales, failed to consider its duty to provide alternative education under section 19 of the Education Act 1996, failed to secure the special educational provision in Y's EHC Plan as required by section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014, and delayed responding to Miss X's complaints. These failings caused Y to miss approximately one and a half school terms of education and special educational provision and caused Miss X avoidable distress, uncertainty, frustration and time and trouble. The Council has agreed to apologise, make a payment to Miss X and take steps to improves its services.

Service improvements