Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Deferred
Extend Local Government Ombudsman powers to cover SEND complaints in education settings
Recommendation
The Government must extend the powers of the Local Government Ombudsman to cover complaints about the delivery of EHC plans, SEN support and other appropriate inclusive education for children with SEND in schools, multi-academy trusts and other education settings. This would strengthen accountability, provide families with a clearer route to redress, and help ensure that statutory responsibilities are met consistently across the system. Without this change, serious shortcomings in support will continue to go unaddressed. (Recommendation, Paragraph 128)
Government Response Summary
The government will work closely with the Ombudsman and Tribunal to determine their roles in a reformed SEND system, but does not commit to extending the Ombudsman's powers as recommended.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
We appreciate the Committee’s careful consideration of these issues and will respond to their recommendations on improving local authority accountability, including in relation to the SEND tribunal. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman plays an important role in investigating SEND complaints against schools and local authorities. These investigations help ensure that any injustice suffered by children and young people with SEND is corrected and that local authorities adapt their decision-making process accordingly. We will work closely with the Ombudsman and the Tribunal to determine their roles in a reformed SEND system. In the meantime, I would like to place on record my thanks for the continued work that the Ombudsman and Tribunal do for families of children and young people with SEND.