The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about a teacher. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. We have no remit to consider the actions of teachers.
The complaint
Miss X complains about a teacher delaying on reporting her child missing during a school trip.
Miss X’s child lives in a children’s home and found their way to Miss X’s home but she was not there.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
We cannot investigate most complaints about what happens in schools. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5, paragraph 5(2), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We will not investigate because we have no remit to consider the actions of teachers.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman