Has anyone used an Appeals agency?

[changer22]

We have got one DC into a school but will have to go to appeal to get our other DC in. It's quite a complicated case (basically it comes down to the fact that the original school wasn't addressing her needs) so I was wondering about going down the agency route.

Has anyone done this? Successfully?

[MadBadandDangerousToKnow]

I haven't, but I was on an appeal thread once with someone who had had a lot of help from the Advisory Centre for Education.

[lalalonglegs]

I went to this one mentioned by someone on Mumsnet who had successfully appealed. The guy was very, very honest and said straight away that he didn't think I stood much chance of winning a place on appeal as the grounds would have been entirely compassionate and he couldn't in all conscience take my money. I'd recommend them on that basis - I really appreciated his honesty and it helped me move on a bit.

[changer22]

Thank you for that. I hadn't come across them while Googling. They look good. I'll give them a call tomorrow.

[Renaissancewoman]

I used to sit on an appeal committee. Their hands are fairly tied as to the appeals that it can allow. You have clearly got an argument as you already have one child in but the LEA would argue to admit another child when the class/school is full would jeopardise the education of all the children. That is always the argument and the LEA generally put forward fairly pro forma arguments to justify its stance. An experienced advocate in this kind of case might be able to get through though, it could be worth a chance but take care with your money and go for someone that is recommended. Another route could be to get a solicitor to refer the case on to a trainee barrister/solicitor (who might do it for free). But you need to go to a solicitor specialising in education law - they might refer it on for a nominal payment. Or else the Bar Pro Bono unit might be able to help in putting you in touch with a trainee lawyer with an interest in this type of area.
Good luck

[changer22]

I've just come back to this thread and seen your message RW. Thanks for your advice. I've spoken to the Advisory Centre for Education and they were really helpful (I think I may have the LEA on a technicality)but I may go down the solicitor route just to make sure.