July 7, 2022, Localgov.com: Autistic Dorset boy left for two years without school https://www.localgov.co.uk/Autistic-Dorset-boy-left-for-two-years-without-school-/54490
SW England
Dorset Council has committed to reforming the way it provides alternative education for children who are unable to go to school, after a boy with special educational needs missed out on nearly two years of schooling.
Between February 2020 and November 2021, a boy with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and traits of Autism, who had been unable to attend school because of high levels of stress and anxiety, was left with very little educational support.
An investigation by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found that the council had failed to provide the boy with proper alternative education and social support for much of the period.
The investigation also found fault with the way the council reviewed the boy’s Education, Health and Care Plan, and criticised the council’s communication with the boy’s mother and the way it handled her complaints.
Michael King, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, said: ‘Councils have a duty to ensure alternative education is provided for children who are unable to attend school for whatever reason, and they cannot delegate this duty to schools or other providers.
‘In this case, a boy with special needs has been without proper education for a significant period.’
He added: ‘I’m also issuing a special report today highlighting this case is not unique – far too many children across the country are missing out on the vital support they need to achieve their full potential because they are being denied their basic right to an education.’…
