Residential school Tribunal

[lala66]

Hi all,

I’m trying to get our non verbal severely autistic DS into a residential school and finally have a tribunal date set for next month. I’m a full time carer so have received legal advice and independent assessments through legal aid. Unfortunately they don’t cover representation on the actual day.

To any parents who have gone through this process before -

• What questions will be asked at the tribunal?
• what other info/evidence do I need to prepare for the day?
• If all indie reports suggest a waking day curriculum, would we stand a good chance?

We have so much riding on this, I just want to make sure I’m well equipped.

TIA

Are you also appealing B&F? And potentially social care and health sections?

Check the bundle is complete. You would be surprised how often it isn’t. Then you need to find a way that works for you to annotate/bookmark/use post it notes. Things like key points and evidence, outstanding disputed wording etc. Some people find the electronic bundle easier to work with, others the paper version. Noting down any key points you want to mention and any questions you want to ask often helps.

They will normally ask you to tell them a bit about DC. Then they will go through outstanding points, asking questions/clarifying anything they want to. You will also get the chance to ask any questions. Don’t interrupt (even if the LA does) and don’t get bogged down with previous dealing with the LA (as frustrating as their failings are). If you don’t understand something, ask. If you need 5 mins at any point ask.

Reports mentioning a waking day curriculum doesn’t necessarily guarantee you will be successful. It depends very much on the specifics and exactly what the reports state. Waking day curriculum doesn’t have a legal meaning, so it is important to look at exactly what the evidence demonstrates. Michael Charles has spoken about this previously if you want to go digging.

Thanks for replying. I’ve not received any bundle yet, would this be sent to me by the solicitor and who is Michael Charles? I’ve googled but can’t find anything

And yes appealing sections B,F,I

Michael Charles is a well regarded SEN solicitor. The LA will (or at least should!) send you the bundle by the deadline which will be at least 10 working days before the hearing, so you might not have it yet but soon will. Some find it helpful to prepare opening (which is sometimes needed, sometimes not) and closing statements at least in bullet point form to prompt you.