The Isle of Wight council has been forced to pay more than £3,000 for taking too long to arrange help for a child.
The boy’s mother complained to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) that without the provision of trained professionals, her son was unable to take full advantage of his education.
Ten-month delay
While the Isle of Wight council accepted it took too long and apologised for the ten-month delay, the watchdog said it was not possible to make up for it.
An Isle of Wight council spokesperson said the authority would look to learn lessons from the complaint and took complaints very seriously.
The spokesperson said the council has already agreed to the LGSCO’s findings and recommendations and again apologised to the family.
Lack of support
The boy, who has not been named, was issued with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) in December 2022 which said he should have support from a psychologist for his anxiety and an occupational therapist.
The therapist was intended to help him with a range of issues including sensory issues and his pencil grip.
His mum said the council had not arranged it and complained to them, saying she wanted compensation.
Assessed in September 2023
The council then made a referral to a private therapist who assessed her son in September 2023, after which his treatment started.
In its recently published complaint report, the LGSCO said the council accepted it took too long to arrange support for the child’s anxiety.
To make up for the impact on his education, the council offered to pay £3,200 to the family.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
