A decision by the SEND tribunal can have a massive impact on the life of your child and your entire family. Our team is here to help you get your child the support they need in order to maximise their potential. Every family is different, as are their circumstances. Our SEN solicitors treat each client as an individual and work to understand their unique needs and requirements. Most importantly, we make sure we maximise what we can do to help you with those needs and requirements.

We will review your case and help determine grounds for a SENDIST appeal. Our solicitors will make sure the strongest possible case is put before the SEND tribunal and will, if you choose, represent you at the hearing at SENDIST to give you the best possible chance of achieving the outcome you want.

Why use a solicitor?

The SEND tribunal is meant to be accessible to parents, carers and young people. However, it is still a tribunal where points of law and technicalities can be put forward by the local authority that you would not be expected to know how to counter or deal with. And if you can’t, this could impact your case and the strength of your argument. A solicitor will be able to ensure that your best possible arguments are put forward and deal with any technicalities and points of law on your behalf.

A local authority may instruct a barrister or a solicitor, who will know the law very well. Without a solicitor on your side, you could be at a disadvantage.

Solicitors are legally qualified professionals, insured and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Birkett Long’s education law service

Our SEN law solicitors regularly help parents and young people with SENDIST appeals. We can help you by:

• Reviewing your case by considering the decision of your local authority or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and giving you an expert opinion on whether an appeal is likely to succeed
• Preparing your appeal and drafting the necessary forms and papers to set out your case
• Finding and requesting experts to give evidence to support your case
• Corresponding with the local authority, tribunal and third parties
• Representing you at the SEND tribunal
• Advising you on the decision of SENDIST and, if necessary, on your grounds for  appeal

The SEN solicitors at Birkett Long will listen carefully and explain everything in plain English, so that you are able to make informed decisions that are in the best interests of your child.

If you would like a no obligation conversation with a solicitor about your SEND Tribunal appeal, please contact Thomas Emmett on 01245 453847 or email thomas.emmett@birkettlong.co.uk.  

Please note that if you instruct us, we will need all the documentation you have about your child so that we can properly consider your case.