Derby City Council to pay compensation over SEND student delays

Derby City Council has been ordered to pay compensation

Derby City Council has been ordered to pay thousands in compensation after it took too long to arrange alternative education for a special needs student.

An ombudsman's report said the unnamed secondary school decided it could no longer support the child following an emergency meeting in December 2022.

The council confirmed in August 2023 the child could attend a special school from September.

But the ombudsman said the child should have had a new school by March.

A report by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman concluded the delay to the educational health care plan "caused a significant injustice" to both the unnamed child and the family involved.

The council was ordered to pay a total of £6,600 in compensation to the family, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

It has also apologised to the family.

An Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan was issued by the council five months too late

John Whitby, council cabinet member for learning and skills, said: "The council places the needs and aspirations of the child at the centre of every decision, ensuring that any additional or special educational needs are supported by their placement to secure the best possible outcome.

"Any and all instructions received from the Local Government Ombudsman or courts are actioned as soon as is reasonably possible."