A teenager with multiple complex needs was deprived of educational support for over two years, according to findings from the local government ombudsman.

The 17-year-old boy, referred to as Y, did not receive home-based assistance for his autism, dyslexia, and social skills, which he was entitled to by law. This occurred partly due to Camden Council’s efforts to appeal a decision made by a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) tribunal.

The ombudsman concluded that the council had caused harm to both Y and his mother, referred to as Miss X, who endured “significant distress” while fighting for her son’s necessary support.

The council, located in north London, issued an apology and expressed its determination to rectify the situation.

Initially, the council contested the support package it was obligated to provide, claiming the boy should receive his education in a school setting, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

For several months, the case languished as the appeal process paused the council’s legal responsibility to provide the needed support.

In September 2023, the appeal was dismissed.

The ombudsman observed that while the council made significant efforts to meet the boy’s needs afterward, it still fell short of fulfilling its statutory obligations entirely.

Additionally, it was determined that Camden unnecessarily delayed the resolution of the issues, forcing the boy’s mother to wait “far longer than necessary.”

The council has been directed to compensate the family with £13,860 for the loss of special educational provisions over the years, as well as for the “time and trouble caused by the delays in addressing the complaint.”

Moreover, the council reimbursed the mother £24,180 for private tutoring expenses incurred between October 2022 and October 2023.

In response, a spokesperson for Camden Council stated they regret the situation faced by the family and are “enhancing procedures to prevent similar matters from arising in the future.”