Selective Mutism and Compensation ordered to be paid by Ombudsman

Liz Smith recently successfully argued that Bromley Council caused delay, distress, uncertainty and failed to arrange special educational provision for a young man with selective mutism and severe anxiety.

The Council had delayed by 15 months issuing a final statement of special educational needs, thereby preventing the parent from exercising her right of appeal, leading to uncertainty about her son’s special educational provision and access to education.

The Council had also failed to provide speech and language therapy for her son for 12 months, and failed to provide a key worker for her son for 10 months despite this provision being specified in his Statement of SEN.

The Ombudsman recommended that the Council should pay a total of £7,000 to recognise that its failures caused the boy unnecessary uncertainty, anxiety and stress, and a loss of opportunity to reintegrate into school.

The Ombudsman also recommended that the Council apologise to the complainant and her son and a report has been published.

Liz has successfully dealt with a number of selective mutism education cases and is happy to discuss your case with you should you have a child with selective mutism.

liz.smith@watkinssolicitors.co.uk