What is the general cost of SA appeal please?

[flowwithit]

If you have been to SA appeal please could you advise me of costs involved, also did you pay for solicitor or manage yourself?

It need not cost you much at all - the tribunal is free of charge and you should be able to manage the case yourself. If you need to pay anything it would be for private reports to help you back up your case. Bear in mind that refusal to assess seems like the norm for many LAs and in many cases once the appeal is lodged they may back down without needing a hearing. They may however later issue a NiL instead of a statement which may then require an appeal, and/or you may need to appeal the content of the statement/school placement when one is issued. It was only at this final hurdle we have involved anyone legal in our case, but many parents do handle this themselves at this time too.

If you haven't already check out the IPSEA website - they are great for help and advice along the way.

Depends - how many reports/ witnesses you need. We had a tribunal on Friday regarding refusal to assess. As we qualified for legal aid, the reports and initial paperwork covered this. The solicitor representation at the tribunal we paid for. I could have probably represented us but found the whole thing so stressful I was glad the solicitor was there.

Definitely depends what you are appealing, how many reports/assessments you will need for evidence, if you need to pay witnesses and if the case is complex, so you need professional representation.

Check if you qualify for legal-aid and if not, see if you can find an advocate in your area, as these often have money from certain charities to support parents through tribunals.

IPSEA will represent you at no cost if there's some reason why you are unable to represent yourself, eg health or disability and if not, their advice can be invaluable if you are supporting yourself.