Mum of boy with autism gets £1k from council and an apology
08.09.2023 - 13:07
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The mum of a boy with autism and an anxiety disorder has received an apology and £1,100 in compensation from Salford council. The town hall failed to provide alternative provision for his education while he stayed at home for eight weeks.
A report by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman revealed the case. Councils have a legal duty to make arrangements for the ‘suitable education’ of children who, because of illness or other reasons, cannot go to school.
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‘Miss X’ complained that her son ‘Y’ missed out on his education between January and March 2022, a period of eight weeks, taking into account the half-term break.
In January 2021, the council issued Y’s education, health care plan (EHCP) in line with an education tribunal order. Named in Y’s EHCP was School A, which Y was registered in the same month.
From that time to September 2021, discussions were held between Miss X and the council about provision.
The council secured and arranged the provision as set out in Y’s EHCP. The report said: “It is noted that it was accepted by all parties that the transition to school attendance would be a lengthy process for Y.”
It said that from September 2021 to December 2021, ‘collaborative conversations’ were held between Miss X and the council for reasonable adjustments to provision to support Y to access learning.
The report continued: “I note having discussed the case with Miss X, that her complaint relates to an absence of alternative provision provided between the period January 2022 to March 2022."
In December 2021, a review of Y’s EHCP took place and in January 2022, the council issued its decision letter.
Prior to