CYP Now - Council failings leave autistic child without education for a year, ombudsman report finds

Oxfordshire County Council failed to find alternative education for an autistic boy for 12 months when he became too anxious to attend school, the local government and social care ombudsman (LGO) has found.

LGO Michael Kings says councils 'have a duty' to ensure alternative education is provided Picture: Office of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

The mother of the boy asked LGO to investigate after her son received “no direct teaching” in the online lessons that were offered to him when he stopped attending school in June 2021.

Despite evidence that this form of education was “unsuitable” and not based on his needs, the council claimed that it was “appropriate” during the eight months that it was in place, up until February this year, when he stopped attending the online lessons.

During the period between February and June, the ombudsman found that the boy received “no education at all”.

The council has been asked to pay the mother £5,000 for the “significant impact” her son’s lack of education has had on her daily life and employment.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included