The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We have ended our investigation into Mrs X’s complaint about how Pudsey Grammar School dealt with her appeal for her child, W, to have a place at the school. That is because W now has a place, so any fault did not cause a significant personal injustice.
The complaint
Mrs X complained about how Leeds City Council (acting on behalf of Pudsey Grammar School) administered her appeal for her child, W, to have a school place. Mrs X said the flaws in the appeal process meant W was not offered a place, which affected their wellbeing and impacted the wider family.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
It is our decision whether to start, and when to end an investigation into something the law allows us to investigate. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended) We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide any injustice is not significant enough to justify our involvement. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))
How I considered this complaint
I considered relevant legislation and the information provided by Mrs X.
Mrs X and the Council had an opportunity to comment on my draft decision. I will consider any comments before making a final decision.
What I found
Mrs X applied for W to attend her preferred school, Pudsey Grammar School. W was not offered a place, so Mrs X appealed. Mrs X’s appeal was not successful but the School later offered W a school place anyway and they have begun attending.
As W is now attending the School, any fault in how the Council administered the appeal process on its behalf did not cause W or Mrs X a significant personal injustice. Therefore, I have ended my investigation into Mrs X’s complaint.
Decision I have ended my investigation into Mrs X’s complaint because any fault did not cause a significant personal injustice.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman