People buying their first home often want to understand how long the conveyancing process is likely to take. While every transaction is different, having an idea of the typical timeframe can help buyers plan their move and manage expectations. In a...

People buying their first home often ask when they should instruct a conveyancing solicitor during the property process. Timing can make a real difference to how smoothly a transaction progresses, particularly for first-time buyers who are navigating the...

People buying their first home often ask whether they need a solicitor or a conveyancer, and what the difference is between the two. This is a common question, particularly for first-time buyers who are navigating the property process for the first time. ...

People buying their first home often focus on the purchase price and deposit, but there are several additional costs to consider during the process. One of the most common questions our Conveyancing team receives from first-time buyers is what extra costs...

People often contact us when they are thinking about buying their first home and are unsure what deposit they need to get started. One of the most common questions our Conveyancing team receives from first-time buyers is how much deposit is required to...

Parents sometimes contact us after being told that if they want a residential school or college placement for their child, they must sign a Section 20 agreement. Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 allows a local authority to accommodate a child through...

Parents sometimes contact us after receiving a decision from the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability). This is the independent court that hears appeals about Education, Health and Care Plans, including refusals to assess, refusals...

Parents sometimes contact us with questions about what happens after a young person turns 19 and still has an Education, Health and Care Plan. There can be confusion about whether support continues and what types of provision are available at this stage. ...

Parents and young people sometimes contact us with questions about what happens if a young person with an Education, Health and Care Plan receives an offer from a university. There can be uncertainty about whether the EHCP continues and what support will be...

Parents sometimes contact us with questions about whether developing life skills can count as education within an Education, Health and Care Plan. This can be particularly important for young people who may struggle with independence and daily living tasks....

Parents sometimes contact us asking which statutory deadline applies in February for children transferring from primary school to secondary school, and what happens if that date falls on a weekend. For children moving from primary to secondary school,...

Parents sometimes contact us asking about the difference between an Individual Education Plan, often referred to as an IEP, and an Education, Health and Care Plan. The two documents can sound similar, but they are very different in legal terms. In a...

Our February Education Newsletter Is Now Available We are pleased to share that our February Education Newsletter has now been published, bringing together key updates, guidance and resources for families navigating the SEND system. At Watkins...

We are pleased to share that Watkins Solicitors has launched a new Education Law flyer and brochure! Our Education Law team works with families across England to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We...

Supporting Families in International Child Abduction Cases: Court Confirms One-Day-Old Baby Was Habitually Resident in England A recent High Court decision has confirmed that a baby was habitually resident in England and Wales from just one day old....

Watkins Solicitors are pleased to announce that we have moved our Hereford team to larger offices in the heart of the city, reflecting our continued growth and long-term commitment to supporting clients in the region. Our new office is located at...

When a parent or carer takes their case to the SEND Tribunal to challenge a decision made by the local authority regarding their child’s EHCP, they may ask the Tribunal to order an EOTAS package. EOTAS is typically considered when a child or young...

Last year the SEND Tribunal put restrictions on expert reports when they will be filed as evidence in SEND Tribunals. These changes are important for families going through the SEND Tribunal process, particularly when expert evidence is being presented....

The government has acknowledged that the current SEND system is under pressure and there are ongoing discussions about potential reforms and changes to EHCPs. Official Labour documents do not confirm any details about changing EHCPs and therefore it is...

The latest SEND Tribunal statistics are from 2024-2025 and detail the increasing number of appeals lodged by parents against decisions made by local authorities and content of EHCPs. The data shows that appeals continue to be resolved however, the number of...