We can provide advice to schools on the issues relating to the assessment and statementing process or, to those who need assistance once an Appeal has been lodged with the SEND Tribunal in order to prepare their evidence, put forward representations as to why the school should not be named in Part 4 of a Statement of SEN.
We provide advice to Local Authorities and assist in all aspects of the SEN Appeal.
We will consider all the documentation which is available and advise at planning meetings in order to identify areas which require further specialist reports and evidence. We will identify the best professional available to the Local Authority to provide that evidence. We will always consider whether a ‘Strike Out’ application is appropriate.
Having identified the key witnesses we can draft a response to the appeal based on all the evidence which is available to the Local Authority, which deals with the issues and refers to appropriate up-to-date case law and regulation.
We are able to manage the Case Management process including:
- filing the appropriate SO forms with the Tribunal
- applying for and responding to Directions
- representing the Local Authority at case management hearings either at the telephone or at face-to-face hearings in complex cases.
Our specialist lawyers have years of experience of appearing before the SEND Tribunal on behalf of Local Authorities in SEN cases. We will also instruct counsel of the correct level of expertise where it is considered appropriate after discussion.
For advice on tribunal appeals, please email Tracey Eldridge-Hinmers or call on 020 7665 0802 or 0117 314 5378.
