The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the treatment the complainant’s child receives in school. This is because we cannot investigate complaints about what happens in schools.
The complaint
The complainant, Ms X, complains about issues that occur in a school attended by her child. Ms X’s concerns include personal hygiene of the child, health and safety issues, clothing, and food.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
We cannot investigate most complaints about what happens in schools. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5, paragraph 5(2), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Ms X and the Council. I also considered our Assessment Code.
My assessment
Ms X complained to the Council about the way a school treats her child. The Council explained it cannot deal with complaints about what happens in schools. It said Ms X could complain to the school governors and then to the Department of Education. The Council said it had raised a concern with its safeguarding team regarding some of the issues Ms X had raised. Ms X complained to us.
We cannot start an investigation because we have no power to investigate complaints about what happens in schools. This includes complaints about the conduct and management of a school and the issues raised by Ms X. As advised, Ms X can complain to the school and then to the Department of Education.
Final decision
We cannot investigate this complaint because we have no power to investigate what happens in schools.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman