Securing a place at the right school is often the first major challenge families face in the education system. The admissions process can be opaque and stressful, with decisions that profoundly affect a child's educational journey. We provide comprehensive advice and representation in matters concerning school admissions, including appeals against refusals, challenges to admissions criteria, and disputes over catchment areas. Whether you are seeking to challenge an admissions decision or require guidance on the lawfulness of admissions policies, we can assist you in understanding your rights and pursuing the most effective course of action.

The transition from primary to post-primary education represents a critical juncture in every child's academic life. This process involves its own set of procedures, assessments, and potential disputes. We advise families on the transfer process, including the application of selection criteria, the conduct of entrance assessments, and appeals against placement decisions. Our aim is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to attend a school that meets their needs and aspirations.

Schools and educational institutions bear significant responsibilities in safeguarding the welfare of children. When child protection concerns arise within an educational setting, the legal and procedural implications can be complex. We act for families and institutions in matters involving safeguarding investigations, allegations against staff, and the implementation of child protection measures. Our approach prioritises the welfare of the child whilst ensuring that all parties are treated fairly and in accordance with the law.

Children with special educational needs are entitled to appropriate support and provision to enable them to access education on an equal footing with their peers. However, securing the right support can often involve protracted disputes with schools and education authorities. We have extensive experience in advising on the identification and assessment of special educational needs, the content and implementation of statements and education, health and care plans, and appeals to tribunals. We are committed to ensuring that children with special educational needs receive the provision to which they are entitled.

A decision to suspend or expel a pupil can have serious consequences for a child's education and future prospects. Such decisions must be made in accordance with proper procedures and on defensible grounds.

We represent pupils and their families in challenging suspensions and expulsions, including appeals to boards of governors and independent review panels. We also advise schools on the lawful exercise of disciplinary powers and the procedures that must be followed when excluding a pupil.

Sound policies are the foundation of effective and lawful school governance. We advise educational institutions on the development, drafting, and implementation of policies across a wide range of areas, including admissions, behaviour and discipline, special educational needs, safeguarding, and equality. Our aim is to ensure that policies are legally compliant, practically workable, and reflective of best practice.

Boards of governors play a vital role in the governance and oversight of schools. Governors are subject to a range of statutory duties and responsibilities, and the effective discharge of these functions is essential to the proper running of a school. We provide advice, and representation to boards of governors on matters including their legal duties, decision-making processes, employment matters, and the handling of complaints and appeals. We assist governors in fulfilling their responsibilities with confidence and in accordance with the law.

If you require advice or representation in any matter relating to education law, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to providing clear, practical, and expert guidance to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Education claims and challenges can be complex. At P.A. Duffy & Co. Solicitors, we are committed to guiding you through the legal process with clarity and transparency, ensuring you remain fully informed at every stage.

Our education law team is dedicated to safeguarding the interests of vulnerable children and families who encounter challenges within the educational system. Should you instruct us to act on your behalf, we will begin by obtaining comprehensive details of the matter, assessing the circumstances, and identifying the responsible parties. We will then compile the necessary evidence to support your claim and correspond with the relevant educational authority to notify them of the proceedings.

Where liability is admitted, we will negotiate on your behalf to secure appropriate compensation. In circumstances where liability is disputed or the compensation offered is inadequate, your matter will proceed to court. Throughout this process, you will have our full support and representation from a specialist education law advocate.

Compensation can be awarded for a range of issues, including:

• Educational disruption

• Emotional distress

• Physical injury

• Discrimination and harassment

• Legal costs

We know that funding a claim might be a worry, so we offer a range of options. These include:

• Legal Aid

• Legal Expenses Cover

• After the Event Insurance (ATE insurance)

• Private funding.