Council told to pay compensation over Send failings

A council has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 to two families after a watchdog found failings in its handling of special educational needs (Send) provision.

The Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman upheld two complaints against West Northamptonshire Council, citing faults that led to two children missing out on education.

In one case, a child was recommended for weekly counselling and Send support services after struggling with the curriculum, but the ombudsman found no evidence of the sessions taking place and criticised delays in implementing recommendations.

The council apologised and said it was "committed" to improving its services.

The same child later stopped attending school between May and July 2024, with the report stating that the local authority should have explored alternative placements sooner.

The ombudsman said the council's failure caused "distress, frustration and worry" to the child's parent, and it ordered the council to pay £1,750 in compensation.

In the second case, the council delayed issuing an education, health and care plan and securing suitable provision for a medically unfit student.

The report noted: "If the council had kept this under review, and responded to Mrs X's initial complaint, it would have established sooner there was no provision in place."

Again, the ombudsman ruled this was "fault by the council".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the council must pay £5,300 to the family.

A spokesperson for West Northamptonshire Council said: "We apologise to the families and children affected and remain committed to making the necessary improvements."

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