In 10 months we have gone from SA+ little support and 2nd refusal to assess to statement to LA conceding to out of county independent specialist school.
I have to say that FS was amazing - she somehow exudes authority that not only meant that the LA deferred to her but also the panel - including the judge - whilst believing her to be enormously helpful. She ran the show. It is totally staged and she plays it perfectly.
We only instructed FS late in the day, you can have her prepare the working document or just represent on the day. Best thing we did. Also having RB carry out an assessment of the LA named school - this is such a large part of the tribunal decision but we all spend our money on reports on our DC.
It really helped to have the A team waiting in the wings to give evidence and to have FS.
But if you have the A team the LA lose as they are a bunch of incompetent tossers. And then the LA pays the costs of the day.
Maybe we need to find some kind of bridging loan 
. The costs of the day were about 5K but in reality we may never have to bear them but if the ability to bear the costs in the first place is an issue then you will not get the right provision.