Posts by Anita Chopra

I am a teacher currently being investigated by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (‘the NCTL’). What advice would you give?

If you have been accused of professional misconduct in your teaching role, you have the right to respond to the allegations. The Determinations Team at the NCTL decides whether or not the case should proceed to a Professional Misconduct Panel (‘the Panel’) which results in a full ‘trial’ often including witnesses.

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Match Solicitors' Chris Barnett Quoted in The Times

One of our associate solicitors, Chris Barnett was recently quoted in The Times, in an article discussing how parents are now utilising the law in order to fight on behalf of their children.

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My child has been permanently excluded from their independent school. We would rather have the option of withdrawing them so that their record isn't blemished. What can we do?

Being permanently excluded from an independent school can stay as a permanent mark on your child's academic record. Due to the fact that independent schools are different to state schools and have more flexibility in respect of how they manage their processes and procedures; parents of children who attend such schools often feel particularly vulnerable when disputes arise.

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My child's disability means they need extra time to sit their exams. What is an application for Access Arrangement?

All schools and colleges in the UK should inform pupils and students, as well as their parents, of the possibility of applying for access arrangement support with examinations and coursework. They should identify which of their pupils and students will require extra assistance in examinations and then apply for that additional support on their behalf.

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My child with special needs would be better served at a specialist residential school but the Local Authority are refusing to pay. What can I do?

If it isn't possible to educate a child within a mainstream school because of their disability or special needs, then a formal assessment should be made by the Local Authority, who should then provide an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), outlining specifically what special assistance your child needs and whether he or she would be best served in a mainstream or in a specialist residential school.

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My child was refused an EHCP last year but I believe they should be reassessed. What action can I take?

SENDIST is where a Panel considers appeals against Local Authority decisions concerning the special educational needs of a child/young person as assess a child’s educational, health and care needs; reassessing their special educational needs; maintaining the EHCP.

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My GCSE grades were not as good as I'd hoped. Can I challenge them?

If your GCSE grades are not good enough to enable you to study for your A Levels next year, you might be feeling very concerned about the impact your results might have on your future. If you feel that your GCSE results are in some way inaccurate or unfair, you should follow the official appeals procedure and make sure that your concerns are addressed.

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Your A Level results are a disappointment — is there anything you can do about it?

If you are one of those unfortunate enough not to have achieved the grades you required, the plans you had for the career you were hoping to pursue may feel as though they are placed in serious jeopardy.

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My child is receiving online threats and threatening text messages from other pupils. What can the school do to stop this?

Online threats or threatening text messages are a form of bullying and some (but not all) forms of bullying are illegal. Bullying is generally understood to involve behaviour that occurs more than once; where the perpetrator has the intention to cause psychological or physical harm and which often seeks to target certain groups because of their race/religion/sexual orientation.

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I have been advised that I need to participate in mediation before lodging a SEND appeal. Is this necessary?

The process of mediation entails you meeting with your Local Authority for an open informal discussion facilitated by a legally trained and fully qualified mediator. Being wholly independent, the mediator is not there to recommend any course of action to either of the parties involved. Rather, the process requires that both parties come to an agreement independently.

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All testimonials

Testimonials

“ Match Solicitors were highly recommended to us not only for their undisputed comprehensive knowledge of the SEN legal minefield, but for their understanding of autism and other disorders and consequent compassionate work ethic. Their diligence and consummate professionalism ensured that the Local Authority were forced to take our son’s case seriously. It is almost impossible to articulate how grateful we are to Rishi and Anita for their hard work and dedication. ”

Mr & Mrs Williams, Hertfordshire

“ I am totally delighted by the services provided to me. The crucial time when I was emotionally and physically drowned by an academic accusation, Match Solicitor gave an enlightenment to my case and my academic career,I won my case and I am now doing degree in Adult Nursing. Very friendly, co-operative and efficient staff ”

Mohina Basnet Rai, Ashford

“ The service was first class and I was encouraged by the Solicitors sound knowledge of education law. Having a child with special needs is a challenge to any parent and the whole process of going to an educational tribunal can be quite daunting. Match Solicitors was able to get the job done professionally and to the highest standard and yet still retaining a very caring and human side which was very reassuring. ”

Mrs O Akagbosu, London