Fees for assessing of special educational needs

In our experience most children's statements of SEN can be improved as many children don’t receive the provisions they require to meet their needs. In addition to this, parents might, in the future, need to show that the LEA is not providing the support the child needs and this is difficult to prove if that support is not adequately outlined in the statement. In light of this we offer the following service to parents for a fixed fee of £300 plus VAT:

Assessment of the statement of special educational needs and appendices and providing you with written advice outlining where amendments can be made to the statement to improve it. In addition, we will advise you on how to get the statement amended and your case merits.

Please note it is easier to have amendments made to the statement if the LEA has issued a final statement within the last 2 months. If this is applicable please contact us immediately to arrange an assessment, as appeals to the specialist tribunal (SEND) against the statement must be lodged within 2 months of the date of the covering letter attached to the final statement. After this deadline it is still possible to try and have amendments made to the statement but it is more complex and time consuming.

Following the assessment of papers, further services are available, such as assistance in trying to get amendments made, assistance with an appeal to SEND including lodging the appeal on your behalf, dealing with all paperwork throughout the appeal and representing you at the hearing. Cost estimates for these services will be tailored on an individual basis once we have assessed your papers. You will not incur any of these costs unless we have provided you with an estimate and you have accepted this.

For more information please contact our Education Law Solicitor Samantha Hale on Colchester (01206) 835230 or email Education@fjg.co.uk.