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Ombudsman slams council over excessive EHC plan waiting times

3 mins read Education
Hackney Council could face further complaints from families waiting for special educational provision after it was slammed for taking nearly 18 months to complete an education, health and care (EHC) plan for an autistic child.

A report from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman criticises the council for "significant delays" in completing EHC plans for children with special educational needs (SEN) as well as restricting access to services by using waiting lists.

In the case of a boy with autism, the council took 69 weeks - more than three times the 20-week statutory timescale - to complete an EHC plan for his needs, the report said.

The family of another child with Down's syndrome had to wait 48 weeks before an EHC plan was put in place, it added.

The investigation by the ombudsman found in both cases the boys' families had to make "significant efforts" to ensure Hackney provided the services their children were entitled to.

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