02/01/2026
3 weeks into the 4 given, still no contact from East Sussex regarding this complaint to the Ombudsman. Whilst the letter of apology means a lot we just finally want some answers. Well if the deadline is adhered to I imagine we will receive something before next week.
Community update
Many of you stood by us when we raised concerns about how our alternative provision application was handled. We felt it was important to close that loop.
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has now issued its final decision. It found the council was at fault in the way our application was handled, including failing to properly explain its decision and failing to follow its own published guidance. This caused avoidable frustration and uncertainty.
The council has been instructed to apologise, reissue its decision with full reasons, confirm reapplication rights and amend its policy.
We are sharing this outcome out of respect for those who supported us. We are now taking time to reflect on next steps. Whatever we decide, our commitment to integrity, transparency and doing the right thing for young people remains unchanged.
Thank you for standing with us.