Specialist boarding school placement: what did we achieve?
- secured preferred out‑of‑county boarding school placement
- avoided Tribunal through strategic negotiation
- ensured smooth transition to secondary education
- addressed local authority deadline failures
- annual provision value exceeding £53,000 + VAT
For context
Tees supported the family of an 11‑year‑old child with autism, dyslexia, and speech and language difficulties during a critical EHCP phase transfer. The Local Authority failed to meet statutory deadlines for updating the EHCP, putting the child’s secondary school placement at risk. Without intervention, the child could have been left without suitable provision.The family identified a specialist boarding school capable of meeting their child’s needs, but securing this placement required legal expertise.
How Tees found a solution
Tees challenged the Local Authority’s procedural failures while simultaneously presenting a strong evidential case for the preferred school. This included demonstrating:
- the child’s communication and learning needs
- the inadequacy of local provision
- the benefits of a structured residential learning environment
Through strategic negotiation, Tees successfully secured agreement without proceeding to Tribunal. The EHCP was updated to name the parents’ preferred placement.
This result ensured a stable and supported transition to secondary education, protecting both academic progress and emotional wellbeing. It showcases Tees’ strength in resolving disputes efficiently while achieving optimal outcomes.
Giving you the full picture
If you feel that you or someone you know requires advice, please contact our education law team for clear, practical advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
