SEND parent awarded £10k for education 'failures'

The council failed to provide the "usual education that all children expect to receive"

A council has paid more than £10,000 to a mother whose child missed two years of schooling due to a shortage of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) places.

Surrey County Council's lack of a school place and special educational provision meant it "failed to provide the usual education that all children expect to receive," a Local Government Ombudsman found.

The ruling found there had been “excessive delay” in providing suitable education for the child, who was not allowed to attend their school from autumn 2022 due behaviour issues.

The county council, which said it accepted the ombudsman’s findings, was ordered to pay £8,800 to the child's mother for the loss of education over 5.5 terms.

The ombudsman also said the delay to a council review of the child's education, health and care plan (EHCP) was "excessive".

The mother said the situation had impacted her other child, who could not attend clubs or activities due to the caring demands of their sibling.

She also said she had been unable to work due to her child being out of school.

She was paid a further £1,500 for being unable to work and £500 as a “time and trouble payment,” according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Working hard'

Surrey County Council said it was “working hard to improve services”.

Council leader Tim Oliver said he was aware it "had not always got things right for all families".

He apologised for issues with support and service given to some children with additional needs and disabilities and their families, and regarding communication with families.

The council had been reviewing its arrangements for alternative provision where young people are unable to attend school, he said.

It was also increasing the number of places available for children with additional needs.

The council would prioritise EHCPs and was "working hard" to complete delayed assessments, reviews and new applications.