Lawyer recommendation- suing private school

[SqueezyDiva]

My DS has mild aspergers Our Prep school is forcing us out of school using awful tactics following a recent rapid and inexplicable change in their motivation to support him.

I do not wish to supply further details but hope I have supplied enough for any revommendations for a law firm that might help me.

Any recommendations much appreciated.

Can anyone recommend a law firm that is au fair w

Can't recommend one but would advsie you to think it through very carefully before committing money towards it. Private schools operate within their own rules and proving they have breached contract, discriminated contrary to the Disability Act or have failed in a duty of care could be difficult and costly. What outcome do you want for your child? They will probably say they cannot provide the level of support he needs and once you have reached that point your child's place has become untenable and you need to look elsewhere. No amount of damages, even assuming you eventually won, would change that situation.

Thanks LIZS. I think you are right.

Check your house insurance - you may have a legal advice line. Mine does, they can talk you through the case and if they think it has merit refer it on to an actual law firm.

Thanks Sashh. I will check out where we stand and take it from there.

I know you are angry and I expect rightly so, but the authorities and sadly the law (when it comes to the education of children with SEN) is vastly stacked against you so the wisest move will 'probably' be to just move on.

Speak to IPSEA (Independent Parental Specail Education Advice)- Google them. Here's there advice line 0800 018 4016. You'll have to disclose more than you've written here but they may be able to give you guidance. I understand both the motivation to fight and to walk away. Any victory would be Pyrrhic - because you'll never feel comfortable leaving your DS in a school that wants rid of him. HOWEVER - if we always walk away the schools will never change. I've got files of letters protesting and fighting over the way my son was not given a place in Independent Schools - lost every fight in the short term - but my DS success in the school he ultimately attended has given the discriminating schools real pause for thought. If you can't win for your DS - try and win for the boy or girl coming up behind him. If you fight - have a solid back-up plan that makes sure your DS is protected.

What is it you actually want to achieve here? Do you want him to stay at the school? Or be released from the normal exit conditions, so you can move him without a term's fees in lieu as soon as you find and alternative (and more suitable place)? Or do you want to make an example of the school, hit them in the pocket and have the case stand as a warning to other parents?

The aim will make a difference to how you approach the issue. (Simply waiving the exit conditions might not require a solicitor at all). and you do have to think carefully at the outset how much appetite you have for what sort of case. Sorry, that's as that may be stating the obvious, but it may save you both money and stress in the longer run if you factor in those thoughts now.