STORY
West Sussex County Council has been found at fault for delays during a child’s Education, Health and Care needs assessment and for failing to make a timely decision about alternative education. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman said the council’s handling of the case caused avoidable uncertainty and distress for the family.
Councils have statutory deadlines for deciding whether to issue an Education, Health and Care Plan and must consider their duty to arrange suitable education when a child cannot attend school. The investigation found delays in the assessment process and shortcomings in the way the authority considered its responsibilities under section 19 of the Education Act 1996.
The Ombudsman recommended action to remedy the injustice and improve the council’s procedures. The case adds to wider concern about pressure on special educational needs services, with councils reporting rising demand, workforce shortages and significant financial strain in the high-needs system.