Ealing Council Apologizes for Transport Denial to Child with Special Needs
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman intervenes after Ealing Council denies school transport to an eight-year-old boy with sensory and behavioral challenges.
Ealing Council in West London has issued an apology after incorrectly denying school transport to an eight-year-old boy, referred to as Child X, who has sensory and behavioral needs.
This decision required the child to undertake a three-mile walk to school, a situation that has been deemed inappropriate and potentially detrimental to the child's wellbeing.
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found that Ealing Council had applied 'incorrect tests' in determining the child's eligibility for transport.
The council's failure to appropriately assess the boy's special needs contributed to his situation, disrupting his schooling by causing him to miss approximately 35 minutes of class each day.
Previously, the child had received free transport due to his additional needs until he turned eight.
Ealing Council rejected the family's application on the grounds that the child's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) did not specify any physical mobility issues.
However, the special school attended by the child informed the council of the common challenges faced by students with similar needs, including difficulties with challenging behavior and unpredictable sensory reactions.
In light of the ombudsman's ruling, Ealing Council has recognized its error.
In a follow-up assessment, it was determined that Child X was indeed eligible for transport support due to his significant sensory difficulties.
The council has now committed to compensating the family with £250 and has issued an official apology.
A spokesperson for Ealing Council stated that addressing the needs of residents with additional requirements remains a priority.
Following the ombudsman’s findings, the council has implemented additional training for staff to improve their adherence to relevant laws and prevent a recurrence of such situations.
This decision required the child to undertake a three-mile walk to school, a situation that has been deemed inappropriate and potentially detrimental to the child's wellbeing.
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found that Ealing Council had applied 'incorrect tests' in determining the child's eligibility for transport.
The council's failure to appropriately assess the boy's special needs contributed to his situation, disrupting his schooling by causing him to miss approximately 35 minutes of class each day.
Previously, the child had received free transport due to his additional needs until he turned eight.
Ealing Council rejected the family's application on the grounds that the child's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) did not specify any physical mobility issues.
However, the special school attended by the child informed the council of the common challenges faced by students with similar needs, including difficulties with challenging behavior and unpredictable sensory reactions.
In light of the ombudsman's ruling, Ealing Council has recognized its error.
In a follow-up assessment, it was determined that Child X was indeed eligible for transport support due to his significant sensory difficulties.
The council has now committed to compensating the family with £250 and has issued an official apology.
A spokesperson for Ealing Council stated that addressing the needs of residents with additional requirements remains a priority.
Following the ombudsman’s findings, the council has implemented additional training for staff to improve their adherence to relevant laws and prevent a recurrence of such situations.
