AN independent inspector has criticised a Teesside council for the second time in two days.

Yesterday, The Northern Echo reported that Stockton Borough Council was found guilty of maladminstration for refusing respite care to an autistic man.

Now the local government ombudsman has decided that the same council failed to properly tell parents about schools admission policy.

York ombudsman Patricia Thomas said that a Stockton couple, who have not been named for legal reasons, had contacted her after their four-year-old son failed to gain a place at the same school as their other son.

The family were told last August that their son could not attend the reception class of the school because they lived outside the admissions zone. But they were told if a place became available they would be considered again on a first come, first served basis.

When a place became available, they were told that they could not apply twice in the same year. They also received a number of contradictory messages from council-run local education authority officers.

After the ombudsman became involved, it was found that the family was next on the list for a place and the boy started at the school following the Christmas holidays.

The ombudsman report found the council was guilty of maladministration causing injustice.

The report said: "The council did not explain in its publications how it dealt with applications for school places received outside the normal admissions round. It is now taking steps do so. The family are now satisfied and there is no need for me to seek any further remedy.

"I intend to bring this report to the attention of the Department for Education and Skills with reference for the need to clarify wording in the Appeals Code."

A spokesman for Stockton Borough Council said: "We acknowledge the ombudsman's findings and are pleased that the matter has now been resolved."

The Northern Echo previously reported how the ombudsman had criticised Stockton Council for refusing to provide respite care to the parents of a 20-year-old autistic and disabled man.

Ombudsman Mrs Thomas said the authority should provide better respite care.

The council said that respite care was now being offered and that improving services for young disabled people was a priority.