Search site
Contact our office
Bedminster office
Fishponds office
Kingswood office
Make an enquiry
Education Law
Join Us for SEN Information Day for Parents in Devon – Friday, 13th June 2025 Navigating the complexities of Education, Health, and Care (EHC) needs assessments and plans can be overwhelming for parents of children with special educational needs. To...
Watkins Solicitors SEN Information Day at the Watershed, Bristol – A Day of Expert Guidance and Support On Friday, 25th April 2025, Watkins Solicitors hosted another successful SEN Information Day for Parents at the Watershed in Bristol, bringing...
As a parent, you may be navigating the SEND Tribunal Appeal process without the support of a legal representative. However, your appeal will be subject to the same Tribunal guidance that legal professionals must now follow. Although the new changes detailed...
When a child has special educational needs, parents rely on the Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) process to secure the right support. However, Local Authorities don’t always meet their legal responsibilities, leading to unnecessary delays and...
If your child or young person has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you may receive a notice from your Local Authority stating that they intend to cease maintaining the plan. However is this the right decision? And what can you do if you disagree? ...
Phase Transfer Deadlines – What Parents Need to Know If your child is transitioning from Primary to Secondary school for September 2025, this is your reminder to make sure the Local Authority issues you with an Amended Education, Health and...
Watkins Solicitors Announces Court Date for Landmark Judicial Review Against Bristol City Council’s Safety Valve Agreement Watkins Solicitors is preparing for the upcoming court hearing of its judicial review challenge against Bristol City...
The Law Commission has launched a public consultation to review the legal framework governing social care for disabled children in England. This important consultation aims to modernise outdated laws, ensuring that children with disabilities receive the...
Watkins Solicitors is representing parents in a critical judicial review challenge against Bristol City Council over the controversial Safety Valve agreement, which raises concerns about cuts to Special Educational Needs (SEN) support. The challenge, led by...
Watkins Solicitors is featured in a recent Bristol Live article covering our involvement in a high-profile legal challenge against Bristol City Council’s Safety Valve agreement. The case, led by our Managing Partner Beverley Watkins ,...
An Afternoon Packed with Expert Insights On 27th September 2024, Watkins Solicitors hosted a highly informative SEN (Special Educational Needs) Information Day at The Kindle Centre in Hereford. The event was designed to equip parents with the knowledge and...
We are excited to announce that Emma Thompson has qualified as an Education Solicitor at Watkins Solicitors, marking a significant milestone in her legal career. Since joining Watkins Solicitors as a Paralegal in October 2018, Emma has shown a deep...
Understanding Autism: Key Insights Autism Awareness Week shines a spotlight on ASD, revealing crucial statistics and evolving terminology. Only 26% of autistic pupils feel happy at school Only 29% of autistic people are in any form of employment 70% of...
10 things parents need to know about EOTAS Due to the shortage of special school places, many parents today are asking the Local Authority to fund Education Otherwise than at School (known as EOTAS ) packages. Some parents think that if...
For primary to secondary school – DEADLINE IS 15 FEBRUARY 2024 For secondary to post-16 placements – DEADLINE IS 31 MARCH 2024 Currently, SEND tribunals are being listed for hearings in early 2025; whilst the SEND Tribunal has indicated...
The link between Judicial Review and the annual review process We are regularly contacted by clients who have had an Annual Review of their child’s Special Educational Needs, but the review process has not been fully completed by the Local...
In a landmark judgment issued today (8 March 2022) the High Court has made it clear that every local council must keep to fixed legal time limits when reviewing the needs of children and young people with special educational needs . Councils have been...
What happens when the Local Authority does not name the school or college of your choosing? For those with EHC plans there are specific rules relating to phased transfers where children either start primary school, move to secondary school or move to post...
In late 2019, Emma Grimbly (Education Paralegal) was working on numerous cases whereby Devon County Council were neglecting their duties to issue an Annual Review Decision Notice within the required 4-week period and neglecting to...
As everyone will be aware the UK entered a further national lockdown on 5th January 2021, which resulted in the closure of schools across England and Scotland (schools in Wales are scheduled to return on 18th January 2021, however a further Welsh Government...
