Education: Individuals
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
About
Provided by Boyes Turner
The specialist special educational needs (SEN) solicitors provide SEN advice to parents, other solicitors, case managers and other professionals. They can assist with:
- Expert assessment of needs
- School type and choice
- Duty of Local Authorities
- Duty of Schools
- Prospects and benefits of Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Issues with Schools
Chambers Review
Boyes Turner has a respected practice noted for its representation of parents and children with special educational needs. The team frequently assists with appeals to the SEND Tribunal regarding school placements. It is particularly adept at assisting with cases involving social care and deprivation of liberty considerations.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Boyes Turner had an exceptionally good understanding of the processes. Whenever we came across a hurdle, they always had a solution for getting around it."
"Boyes Turner has specialist knowledge of the education system and processes together with great tenacity."
"Boyes Turner are very knowledgeable in all areas and, together with their professionalism, are able to handle complex matter excellently."
"The lawyers knowledge of SEND and educational law was unprecedented and their attention to detail was impeccable."
"Boyes Turner have good holistic knowledge and are not scared to take big cases on behalf of the little guy."
"Boyes Turner had an exceptionally good understanding of the processes. Whenever we came across a hurdle, they always had a solution for getting around it."
"Boyes Turner has specialist knowledge of the education system and processes together with great tenacity."
"Boyes Turner are very knowledgeable in all areas and, together with their professionalism, are able to handle complex matter excellently."
"The lawyers knowledge of SEND and educational law was unprecedented and their attention to detail was impeccable."
"Boyes Turner have good holistic knowledge and are not scared to take big cases on behalf of the little guy."
Notable Practitioners
Laxmi Patel regularly acts for clients in SEND Tribunal appeals concerning an array of matters, including provision and placement in special schools. She is noted for her proficiency in cases concerning highly sensitive social care elements.
"Laxmi Patel is great at tribunal work and she is very passionate about that."
"Laxmi is an excellent education lawyer."
"She is steady headed, sensible and grounded."
"She was always highly professional, clear, and transparent with her opinions."
Rachael Allison is adept at assisting families with various SEN issues. She regularly handles appeals to the SEND Tribunal regarding education provision and placements.
"Rachael Allison is very professional, knowledgeable, approachable and easy to work with."
"I love working with Rachael. She is personable, very approachable and quick to handle any difficulties."
"Rachael Allison has consistently supported us both emotionally and legally on our journey. There's no one else I'd rather have on my team."
"Rachael Allison is an outstanding education law solicitor."
"She is extremely professional with an extraordinary knowledge and awareness of education."
Senior associate James Pantling-Skeet is a special educational needs specialist with notable experience in community care and the Court of Protection. He regularly assists the parents of children with disabilities in disputes with local authorities over provision and placement aspects of Education, Health and Care Plans.
"I couldn't have wished for a better lawyer. James was always both optimistic and realistic about our chances of success. He was tenacious and strategic in his approach."
"James Pantling-Skeet was always consistent and honest with his advice. He provided clarity around any issues or concerns taking time to ensure that we fully understood any developments."
Lydia Dunford is well regarded for her work in the education sector, where she regularly appears before the SEND Tribunal on a range of matters including the provision of Education, Health and Care Plans.
"Lydia Dunford is very professional, knowledgeable, approachable and easy to work with."
"Lydia was professional, caring and very knowledgeable. She communicated in a way that was easy for a non-legal person to understand."
"She is an excellent education law solicitor."
Ranked Lawyers at
Boyes Turner
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Boyes Turner