Education Law
education_law

We specialise in the following Education Law fields:

Appeals to SENDIST

Many parents use their right of appeal to the First Tier Tribunal, Special Educational Needs to challenge the Local Education Authority. Rights of Appeal can arise over whether a statutory assessment of SEN should be carried out to the description of needs, the provision made for their children and which school they should attend in statements. Mortimers can offer professional support in conducting such appeals. Our tailor made packages can offer a full service from start to finish, or for any part of the process that parents wish, from registering the appeal, through drafting the case statement, collating evidence, to representation at the final hearing.

Exclusions And Admissions

Whether seeking admission or opposing an exclusion to a school, we can offer advice and representation on appeals to independent appeal panels.

Educational Negligence

When educational provision has clearly failed, many parents and young people consider possible negligence proceedings as a way to seek compensation through the courts.

Complaints

We can offer advice and support on how to complain effectively, to the correct person at the appropriate time, whether to head teachers, governing bodies, or Directors of education and even to the Secretary of State for Education.

Disability Discrimination

When a disabled person is treated less fairly than someone who is not disabled, this could lead to a claim for disability discrimination. But who is disabled? What is less favourable treatment? Can it be justified? We can help with these questions and preparation of a claim to the First Tier Tribunal, Special Educational Needs & Disability, or the Independent Appeal Panel in connection with appeals for admission or exclusion. Bryony Walker has been appointed to the Disability Rights Commission Education Litigation Panel.

Judicial Review

We have represented clients challenging decisions made by Local Education Authorities, schools and governing bodies, in the High Court and Court of Appeal. In cases such as these, time is limited and urgent advice is needed.

Legal Aid

We are one of the few solicitor's firms in the country who has been approved by the Legal Services Commission to offer specialist advice in Education Law. Public Funding (Legal Aid) is available in appropriate cases, subject to financial assessment, at our Bridgnorth office.

Disabilities

We can advise on the following areas of disability:

  • Dyslexia
  • Dyspraxia
  • Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorder
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Dyscalculia
  • Speech and language difficulties
  • Emotional and behavioural difficulty
  • Downs Syndrome
  • Cerebal Palsy
  • Hearing impairment
  • Visual Impairment
  • Aspergers Syndrome
  • Communication difficulties