BREAKING: An autistic child in Croydon has been left without schooling for a staggering nine months, following a critical failure by Croydon Council to provide legally mandated support. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has confirmed that the child, referred to as Y, missed two and a half terms of education due to the council’s negligence.
This shocking revelation raises urgent questions about the council’s ability to fulfill its legal obligations towards vulnerable children. Families across Croydon are expressing profound distress over repeated failures to deliver essential educational support and services.
Y and Mrs. X moved to Croydon in July 2024, triggering the council’s legal responsibility to implement the support outlined in Y’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The plan specifies crucial one-to-one support and a structured daily routine tailored to Y’s special educational needs. However, as of September 2024, the council had not secured a school placement or any of the required specialist support.
The Ombudsman’s investigation highlighted that despite Y’s pressing needs, the council suggested home tuition as an alternative, even though Mrs. X had explicitly indicated that the home environment was unsuitable. The council’s tuition provider explored options but failed to finalize any arrangements, leaving Y completely out of school.
The situation escalated further when, in early 2025, the council amended Y’s EHCP to name a specific school, but the placement was stalled due to the council’s inability to recruit a required one-to-one support worker. By late April 2025, no progress had been made, and Y continued to lack access to education.
The Ombudsman condemned the council’s inaction as an “injustice,” ordering an apology to Mrs. X and a compensation payment of £3,750 for the educational and emotional impact on Y. Additionally, Mrs. X will receive £150 for her distress, and the council has been instructed to improve its systems for supporting children with EHCPs who are out of school.
Parents across Croydon have voiced their frustrations, citing similar issues with the abrupt termination of speech and language therapy services, leaving many children without essential support. Amy Jones, a concerned local parent, expressed shock over the ease with which support could be withdrawn, fearing long-term consequences for her child.
In response, a spokesperson for Croydon Council stated, “We have accepted the Ombudsman’s findings in full and taken on board the recommendations. We sincerely apologize to Mrs. X and have paid the recommended compensation.” The council has also pledged to enhance oversight of external providers and improve the management of special educational support.
This troubling incident highlights the urgent need for accountability in local authorities and raises alarms for families relying on government support for their children with special educational needs. As Croydon grapples with these failures, parents remain vigilant, advocating for their children’s rights and educational entitlements.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the community demands action and accountability from Croydon Council.
