Leeds criticised for failing children with special needs

Leeds Council has been criticised for failing in its care of three children with disabilities and special educational needs.

In one case, a child who was in care for most of his life and was known to be unable to cope with change and insecurity, was placed in a school that operated from two sites and where he was often excluded or educated off-site.

The local government ombudsman said it was “inexplicable and inexcusable that these failures could persist over a long period”.

In another case a severely disabled girl was left unable to communicate with staff and carers because none knew British Sign Language. There were not enough staff to help her to the toilet and she developed urinary tract infections as a result. The council also failed to provide enough respite care to relieve the pressure on her parents.

In the third case, the ombudsman found the council had failed to seek legal advice for a boy when he was arrested and faced serious criminal charges.

However, the ombudsman recognised the council was taking steps to improve the education plans for looked-after children and those with special educational needs through a major restructure of services.

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