Following the introduction of the Apprenticeship, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 parents can make complaints about SEN provision by Schools and Local Authorities to the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO).

This enables the LGO to ask Local Authorities for information about the provision of services made for children with statements of Special Educational Needs in maintained schools. This removes the previous restriction to the LGO's jurisdiction.

As anyone who has been involved with any form of LGO complaint will know, this can be a long and drawn out process. We advise and assist in this area by drafting the response to the complaint on behalf of the School or Local Authority or, if preferred, acting as a ‘consultant’ for them if they wish to deal with the process themselves.

For advice on complaints to the LGO, please email Tracey Eldridge-Hinmers or call on 020 7665 0802 or 0117 314 5378.