We believe that every child has the right to the best possible education. We offer advice and support on issues surrounding education including children with special needs, admissions to your chosen school, exclusions and expulsion, discrimination and any other aspects concerning your child’s education.

Our specialist solicitors can represent you at tribunal hearings and negotiate on your behalf to your local education authority. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s education or would like more information regarding education law, please contact one of our offices so we can address your concerns immediately.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

Q: My child has not been offered a place at our preferred school and I am concerned about the alternative options. What can I do?
A: We can offer you advice regarding how to appeal this decision and the process involved. We can also assist you in challenging a decision made by the appeal panel through court proceedings if you are not successful at the hearing.

Q: I have read recently that parents can be jailed for their child’s non-attendance at school. My child has a poor attendance record lately and I am concerned about the consequences. Can you help?
A: It is possible for a parent to be jailed if non-attendance persists. Usually your local education authority will attempt to resolve the issue before criminal proceedings are started. A penalty notice is either given or a parenting contract entered into, which is a written agreement highlighting a mutual understanding of support from the LEA in return for an attendance compliance period. We can advise you on precautions to prevent prosecution and represent you in court if criminal proceedings are issued.

Q: I believe my child is being bullied at school and nothing is being done to prevent it. Can you advise me of what action to take?

A: We can assist you of the appropriate action to address this issue. Occasionally a formal letter can highlight your concerns and encourage action. We will also support you within negotiation in a meeting. If you are not satisfied with the outcome we can contact you Local Education Authority and take court action if necessary.

Q: I believe my child has been unfairly excluded from school. How do I go about contesting this?

A: We can advise you of the guidelines schools must follow when excluding a pupil. We will examine the process and reason for exclusion and determine if the procedure was correctly implemented and if the decision was acceptable. Dependant on our findings, we can appeal this decision and take the matter to court via a judicial review process.

Q: My child has special education needs and I am not satisfied with the support we receive from our Local Education Authority. What action can I take?

A: We will ensure you have a full understanding of the system in place to obtain additional help and offer advice on negotiating with your LEA to receive this support. If necessary, we will offer you skilled representation in a tribunal system, including the production of any necessary documents to support your case, along with any negotiation assistance. We appreciate your concerns regarding the welfare of your child and will ensure provisions are put in place so the needs of your child are met.