Reviews of SEN4You. (Attorney) in Milton Keynes (Buckinghamshire).

SEN4You

50 Reviews

48 Comments

Attorney

Lawyer

314, Midsummer Court, Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes MK9 2UB, United Kingdom

Description

Information of SEN4You, Attorney in Milton Keynes (Buckinghamshire)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

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Open hours of SEN4You

Reviews of SEN4You

B. M.

We used SEN4You for a tribunal appeal. We were extremely stressed by the whole process but Mark took over. He gave clear advice and brought us a measure of calm. The Local Authority were offering us a secondary school which we believed could not meet our son's needs. Everything Mark advised would happen, happened and we were well prepared for it. The Local Authority looked silly at the hearing and their arguments were blown away. We won the appeal and my son can now look forward to going to a specialist school in September. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. Mark, your our saviour. Thank you.

S. M.

Received really good support received over an SEN dispute. Advice often provided out of hours when we were available and cannot fault the level of service, with one meeting even taking place on a bank holiday. Mark goes the extra and then some. The costs were extremely reasonable and they were nearly half what we were quoted by other firms. A great service all round.

J. W.

Absolutely tremendous support and advice from Mark. He worked so hard to get us the support our son needed and gave up so much time to us often outside working hours. He was approachable and he never gave us any jargon. He told us what we had to do, he explained weaknesses, he presented a robust case and in the end we won a specialist placement which will make a difference for our son. In fact its life changing. As a family we were in a miserable place, Mark gave us back our life and a chance for our son to do well. One word, fabulous.

C. B.

We used Mark and Baker Small to help us resolve a dispute with our local authority concerning our son's school placement. Mark was excellent, taking us through the process with confidence and in an assured way. With Mark's intervention, the matter was dealt with quickly and the Local Authority settled the case quickly when it became clear they had no basis to oppose our case. The support and advice we received was second to none and we are grateful to Mark for the quality of his advice and the support he provided. I would highly recommend Baker Small if you are in dispute with your local authority..

J. M.

We used Baker Small for an SEN Tribunal appeal. I have to say that Mark was simply outstanding in all respects - his advice, preparation and confidence in our case was very re-assuring and he helped us through what could have been a very stressful process. His knowledge of local authorities was invaluable. I am so pleased that Mark is now working for parents... he is an asset to any parent in dispute with their local authority.

J. F.

We used Mark for an SEN appeal concerning the school placement for our son, who has very challenging needs. We were seeking a specialist setting. We were totally failed by our Local Authority and given the wrong information. I knew we were out of our depth and losing our appeal. Mark was recommended to us by a friend. He did not disappoint. Mark stepped in, gave us initial advice and presented a solution in order to take the appeal forward. It was astonishing how quickly the case transformed. From seeming to have a hopeless case, we were given confidence and what followed was a gradual dismantling of the Local Authority's case. I probably should not say it, but having been through "hell" for the past 6 months at the hands of the Local Authority, it was a delight to watch them get taken apart. The arrogant posturing we had experienced disappeared and they became rabbits in the headlights. We succeeded with our appeal and secured a specialist placement, all thanks to Mark. A brilliant lawyer. Highly recommended.

G. R.

We used Mark for an SEN Tribunal appeal and he was absolutely superb. We were seeking a place in a mainstream independent school. We did not even get to a hearing as the Local Authority conceded the appeal. Mark was robust and stopped us being bullied by the Local Authority, the behaviour of whose legal team was aggressive and confrontational. When you need someone to fight for you, there cannot be anyone who carries such a force of presence. He was simply brilliant and I would highly recommend him. Thank you Mark!

D. J. H.

If you are serious about legal representation for any SEN related issue in the UK, in my opinion, there is only one best choice - Mark Small at Baker Small. I personally have seen the pre-eminence of Mark and total ownership of our case against the Local Authority, to such an extent that he was working at weekends/late evenings, consistently hyper-responsive to queries and extremely helpful in explaining complex legal matters. His brilliance in the court room is very well known, but what you will also experience is his unrivalled knowledge of the SEN process all the way from the acceptance of the requirement to perform an EHCP assessment through to representing you at Tribunal. Not everyone will need to go to Tribunal, and I have seen other Parents just use Mark for a small amount of time in writing letters or representing them in meetings. When Mark is involved Parents tend to be listened to by the LA in securing the support to which their child is entitled to. What I was not expecting from any solicitor was the degree to which Mark acted as our true champion and took such personal ownership of helping our little boy get the support which he so obviously needed and deserved. From our first meeting, Mark was able to distil the critical points into easy-to-understand concepts which allowed us to fully believe him when he said "I'll get you the support your child needs". Despite hearing from quite a few other Parents about his performance in the court-room, no-one could have prepared us for how professional, intelligent, articulate and generally just "really good at his job" Mark was on the date of the Tribunal. His preparation for the case was amazing; he knew the EHCP process "inside-out" but also he knew more about my boy than anyone else in the room (apart from us Parents obviously), and I believe that he was seen as highly credible by all parties. Mark has changed my little boy's chances of leading a happy and productive life. I've personally seen a large volume of recent experience from local parents - we all regard him as an absolute hero. If I could give 6 stars I would, and I could not recommend him more highly!

A. S.

We sought advice from Mark regarding an SEN appeal concerning our son. Mark worked tirelessly on our case and secured us a specialist school. Mark took all the stress out of the process and managed all dealings with our LA. He was brilliant in all respects and if you need legal advice and representation Mark is the man to go to! Thank you!

P. J.

Very good support and we achieved the school we wanted. Extremely reasonable costs. I was quoted eye watering sums by some other firms and I was allowed to spread out payments. Overall, a superb service.

R. P.

What can I say...Absolutely superb support from Mark. A fantastic guy. We were seeking a specialist setting for our son. We were told by another law firm that the prospects of success were low. Enter Mark. When we spoke to him he explained the process clearly and told us what we would need to demonstrate. He was so clear and we were more confident at what would be required. He helped us to secure our chosen placement and completely blew the local authority away. As a parent you are given so much misleading information. Having Mark was a blessing. He told us what we needed to know and it was in complete contrast to the advice we had received from the local authority and SENDIAS service. If you are in a dispute with your local authority then I would highly recommend Mark.

A. D.

Great advice and professional service. Mark helped us secure a school for our daughter, who has complex needs. He told us what we needed to do and allayed our fears about the process. His knowledge of the law and approach was superb and he made mincemeat of the local authority and their 'leading barrister'. The best bit was that he kept our costs to an absolute minimum and he worked to our budget... When we won our case we were delighted and I would say it was never in doubt! I would highly recommend Mark and Baker Small.

A. H.

It is people like Mark Small that make the world a better place. We cannot recommend Baker Small and Mark Small highly enough. He is professional and driven and truly cares about the people he chooses to represent. There is no other firm in the UK that has the extensive knowledge of SEN that Baker Small has. We have an adopted child who was exposed to alcohol during pregnancy and this has caused him to have a lot of complex needs. We have been fighting our Local Authority for over 2 years to try and get our son the help he needs in an educational setting. We never thought anything could be worse than the process you have to go through to adopt but the EHC Plan process has been horrific and we ended up at tribunal fighting to get our son the help he needs. The system is complex and not at all parent friendly. The stress of the whole process and the time that was being spent every day on the case started to take its toll on our family. We lost hope that we would be able to get through this. Mark Small saved us. His attention to our case allowed us to be able to step back and enjoy our child and family again. He took over everything and gave us our life back. We have trusted him completely with our case and his SEN knowledge has been second to none! We absolutely cannot find the words to thank Mark and Baker Small for the help they have given us and for caring enough to not give up and continue to help us fight to get our child the help he needs.

S. J.

Mark Small of Baker Small came highly recommended to us so we could challenge Parts 2,3 and 4 of our son's Statement; he did not disappoint ! Mark's acute knowledge of the SEN system immediately instilled us with confidence. His flexible and approachable manner allowed us to communicate effectively with him at all times. As we embarked upon the tribunal process, we came across many battles and underhand tactics by the LA, however, Mark confidently took the reins and led us to court with a sound and robust case. We won on every account ! This allowed our son a 52 week waking day curriculum at a specialist residential school of our choice. We were thrilled ! Mark's application of SEN law was most impressive and his performance in court was second to none. We are forever grateful. Thank you. Mr and Mrs Johnson

D. L.

We instructed Mark in an SEN appeal. We were trying to get a specialist placement for our daughter. The whole process had been awful and stressful. Enter Mark. He put us at ease straight away and reassured us about our case. He managed the whole process expertly. The Local Authority conceded the appeal and this was due to the excellent work Mark did in preparing the case. Now our daughter is happy and this is all thanks to Mark. I cannot thank him for enough.

g. w.

Mark Small recently represented a young man with Autism who needed to remain in his specialist ABA placement. The Local Authority wished to end the placement with no suitable alternative being offered. As the advocate for this young man and his family , I was very grateful to Mark for the way that he guided and supported us through such a difficult process, always available to take questions and to offer support. His vast SEN knowledge , professional and reassuring approach ensured that the tribunal was well prepared and expertly presented. The Tribunal outcome was successful and the young man and his family wish to express their deep gratitude to Mark for his kindness, understanding , commitment and sheer hard work on their behalf.

L. K.

Mark is an absolutely fantastic SEN solicitor and I would urge anyone struggling with the process to get in touch with him. My son was out of school and the LA were refusing a specialist placement. In what was a difficult time, Mark immediately made me feel at ease and reassured that it would work out...and it did, exactly as he said it would. The LA conceded before the tribunal. He is highly knowledgable, personable and was always there on the end of the phone. I’d give 10 stars if I could.

A. S.

Mark really helped us when we were at a low point with our son’s schooling and had reach an impasse with our local authority. Mark explained our options and what would be required to bring a successful appeal. We followed his advice and secured the outcome we sought, an independent specialist placement. We feel very fortunate to have had Mark’s advice and support. Thank you, Baker Small!

m. t.

We had been badly burned by a leading firm who took us for thousands of pounds and left our marriage in crisis following a disastrous appeal...enter Mark. He helped us to overturn the decision and following a successful review by the Tribunal we got a rehearing. Mark helped prepare us for the new hearing and we felt part of his team. He was absolutely brilliant. We won our case and his approach was totally different. We were part of the process and not a bystander dictated to by lawyers. His fees were 5 times LESS than we had previously been charged. Such a great service. Friends had told us to be careful when using Mark because of his work for local authorities but don't believe it. He was brilliant and totally committed to our cause. There is only one person to go to in a crisis and it is Mark. Mark, you saved our family and we will be forever grateful to you.

S. D.

What a superb solicitor Mark is. He intervened in an SEN appeal when we were badly let down by an SEN advocate. My wife and I were distraught as deadlines had been missed and our appeal was at risk of being struck out but then enter Mark. He met us on a Saturday and very quickly repaired the holes in our case. He did what we needed to do and our case was prepared brilliantly. Quite how he did it in the time, I shall never know. He was professional and totally committed to our case from the off and fully grasped the issues raised. With his intervention we were able to settle the case with the Local Authority and obtained the school placement we wanted. Mark, you were totally brilliant and we will be forever in your debt. Highly recommend.

M. H.

We used Mark and Baker Small to help us in an SEN Tribunal appeal against our local authority. Mark was immense for us in a very difficult appeal. He helped us prepare our appeal and took on the local authority and its representative expertly. In fact, he was cool, calm and assured throughout. We won our appeal and we were very lucky to have Mark in our corner. So glad he was on our side... Thank you Mark.

H. T.

I used Baker Small to deal with an SEN Dispute I was having with my Local Authority regarding my sons placement. The whole episode was stressful and exhausting.Enter Mark. Whatever may be said about him, the only thing I know is that he is brilliant. Re-assured me from day one, advised me to pursue mediation (rather than spend money going to Tribunal). Mark felt a resolution could be found. I found this very comforting as I had spoken to two other firms who seemed intent on making me lodge an appeal. Mark helped me prepare for the meeting with the Local Authority and the mediator helped to resolve the dispute. I was able to secure the school I wanted and all I really needed was a telephone call with Mark. Mark is brilliant.... My guardian angel and I will be forever grateful to him for his guidance and support. Thank you

A. H.

Wonderful support and advice. Mark was thoroughly professional and helped us to secure support for my vulnerable son through an SEN appeal. If you are in a dispute with your local council and you need someone to fight your corner, there is no one I would rather have. I cannot recommend Mark highly enough.

A. p.

Mark Small is a highly professional expert that has transformed our son's life. We contacted Mark after the Local Authority had refused to even assess our son for an EHCP. Through his help and support we now have a robust EHCP and a place at a specialist school for our son. I cannot thank him and his team enough and would recommend him instantly.

J. S.

We used Baker Small for an SEN Appeal and achieved a successful outcome. We had contacted other 'specialist' education law firms but had been given very high costs for progressing an appeal as we were told we had a "complex case". We were advised we would need to appoint expert counsel to undertake the hearing and the costs estimates we received all exceeded 25k, including expert reports. When we spoke to Mark, he allayed our concerns immediately and said that the case was straightforward and was not complex. He advised that we did not need to spend a lot of money bringing an appeal and did not need to appoint counsel. He told us what we needed to do and we were re-assured. Mark's approach to the case was also very different to the firms we had contacted and what we expected. He was keen for us to explore mediation and also to look at ways in which our own costs could be reduced. He advised us to try and agree the instruction of joint experts with the Local Authority, which would reduce our costs further. The Local Authority agreed to instruct joint experts and the costs were split 50/50. We were able to agree jointly funded experts with the Local Authority and Mark was able to agree the experts. The advice they provided was superb and it really helped to narrow the issues. Compromises were made by the Local Authority and ourselves. In the end we achieved the school and provision we were seeking. Better still, the case was amicably resolved with the Local Authority and actually it felt like all parties had positively worked together for the benefit of our child. This was not what I was expecting or had been told to expect. Taking advice from Mark was the best thing we ever did. I cannot thank him enough. Mark is very confident and knowledgeable and he was able to talk through the issues with us in a way we understood. We had total confidence in him and it was clear that the other firms we had been speaking to were not quite as specialist as they would make out! In the end we worked to a very small budget and Mark delivered everything we needed. If we had gone with the other firms we risked re-mortgaging our house. I am thrilled I was able to speak to Mark as I dont know what the future would have been for our family otherwise. We were delighted with the quality of advice, support and expertise we received. Mark is superb and if you are ever in doubt about your case, speak to him, without any question - so glad he is advising parents.

A. C.

Just a quick note to share our experience as parents of working with Mark Small (of Baker Small). We have a son with Down's Syndrome and have had to battle with the local authority throughout his life to get the right education. Mark Small has provided invaluable advice to us and has done similar for other parents in the area. I would recommend him if you're looking for legal support to secure just outcomes for your disabled son or daughter.

N. M.

When our autistic son Simon, 21, was told by his college that in spite of his EHCP, he would not be able to study on the courses he wanted to do because he did not have GCSE Grade C English and Maths, Mark Small of Baker Small Solicitors came to our rescue. Mark was hugely knowledgeable about Simon’s rights and he was also extremely efficient in reminding our Local Authority and Simon’s college about their legal obligations. In all our discussions by phone and email, we felt that Mark had Simon’s best interests at heart and he was determined Simon should get the education he was legally entitled to. Mark is a guardian angel to those parents of Special Needs young people who are being denied what they deserve.

R. W.

We used Baker Small to help challenge the decision of our LA to cease our daughter's EHC Plan because she had reached 19. Mark helped us to understand the issues we needed to address and we gathered the evidence required without any fuss or drama! Mark prepared what we needed and did so diligently and professionally. He was always contactable and on many occasions after normal hours. When we waivered he gave us confidence and strength to continue. At the hearing, the Local Authority were completely lost and Mark tied them up in legal arguments, from which they could not respond. We actually felt sorry for their representative but it was clear they never had any case from the outset. We succeeded in ensuring our daughter's EHC Plan was maintained and we hope that she can now attend a specialist college placement. One thing is for certain, we are glad Mark is in our corner if we need him again. Highly recommend.

N. K.

To begin with, I wish I could give Mark 10 stars but the maximum I can opt for on Google reviews is 5. Mark Small was highly recommended to us when my nephew who is severely autistic was denied desperately needed therapies and other educational services by one of the richest London local authorities. When I contacted Mark Small, we were hopelessly reaching the end of our efforts with the council with our every plea falling on deaf ears and every day that passes leaves my little nephew regressing instead of getting better. It is fair to say my sister was utterly broken, having spent all of the little money she earns on her son's daily urgently required therapies and support Having heard our predicament on the phone, Mark who is as one can imagine possibly one of the busiest public and education lawyers in the country made himself available to see my sister and I the following day. Whats more incredible is - that day happens to be a bank holiday but that was not a problem for Mark. I could tell from our first phone conversation that Mark is determined to get us justice having heard what my little nephew, my sister and the entire family going through. When my sister and I drove the two hours journey to meet with Mark the following morning in his office which he kept open just for us on a bank holiday, it became apparent very quickly that Mark is a God-Send for us. In a matter of minutes following his review of my nephew's file, including correspondence from his local authority and his education and care statement, Mark quickly identified unlawful non-provisions in his statement of care and support and the woefully inadequate way his care has been structured. I could see Mark was visibly upset by the sense of injustice we are going through and knew almost immediately what has to be done to put things right. Again, in a matter of minutes, Mark clearly explained to us what has to happen next and the necessary steps he will instigating almost immediately including working the weekend to ensure my nephew gets what he desperately needs and deserves. That was incredible and amazing but that is not where our astonishing fortune with Mark ends, as we ask for the cost which we were ready to begin paying there and then, Mark said he will be doing the work Pro Bono for my sister. My sister and I were lost for words. Not only was he one of the most sort after lawyers in the land in his field of specialist, he was seeing us on a bank holiday, gave us all the time we needed with him, will start work immediately and to top it all, he will not charge us a penny until and unless it becomes necessary for the matter to go to tribunal which he will do his best to resolve with the local authority prior to the tribunal stage. My sister was in tears and I was frankly speechless. Having reviewed the case and in view the destitute situation my sister was in, he decided upon himself to take on this case with zero benefit to him. What a blessing from one of the top lawyers in the country, we couldn't count our lucky stars enough times. As my sister put it to me on the way back, she feels like the luckiest woman on the planet to have Mark as our lawyer on this case. If you research Mark 's track record, you will find he is one of the leading authorities in the field of public and education law and has represented local authorities in many cases in the past with a 100% success rate. he has also helped many council's put protocols and procedures in place to properly deal with matters of this nature. It is clear that Mark's work is not driven by financial gain, for his success rate and his stature in his field of law, he is in fact one of the most reasonable solicitors I have come across. his work is his passion and his focus is now to help families like us who are not able to get the support they need from their LA without Mark's intervention. My nephew is finally in the hands of an expert.Thank you Mark, I hope you don't mind me telling the world what a wonderful lawyer and compassionate human being you are. It is the least I can ever do for you

K. G.

Can't fault Mark...professional and efficient. Would highly recommend that any parent fighting against their LA employ the services of Bakersmall Mark was fantastic at tribunal and won our case against our LA securing a placement for our severely autistic son at an Independent residential school. Recent events on social media have fuelled a torrent of bad reviews from people who have never met or employed the services of Mark Small. We are all human and we all do things that we later regret...let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

A. A.

Thanks to Mark's thorough and compassionate work ethic, he has provided our family with a future. He secured a solid EHC plan and residential therapeutic education for our son, who is now thriving. Without Mark's help, we would for sure still be battling the local authority to meet our son's needs. Thank you Mark. Both my wife and I value your support.

L. C.

Could not recommend Baker Small highly enough. I had been told by a legal advisor that moving my son to another specialist school would be ‘impossible’. Mark Small made it possible - his expert knowledge of the law was crucial, but I am also very grateful for his accessibility, patience and kindness throughout the process. Every single thing he said would happen happened, in the way he said it would. And he was always at the end of the phone when I needed advice or simply reassurance. Fantastic all round!

A. T.

Great support, timely advice from Mark helped us to secure a specialist placement for our daughter. Cant thank him highly enough for supporting us. The Local Authority did not know what hit them, which made us very happy as they had put our family through hell. Thanks to Mark and Baker Small. Highly recommend.

A. H.

I cannot thank Baker Small and Mark enough for their help with our son’s EHC Plan appeal. Their support, professionalism, tenacity and attention to detail gave us a great deal of confidence. Mark’s expertise in SEN Law is unparalleled and he had the best interest of our son at heart every step of the way.

M. A.

Cannot thank Mark enough for his invaluable support in securing our son a residential placement and robust EHC plan providing long-lasting security. His caring, empathetic and sincere approach went a huge way to alleviate anxieties when life was so turbulent and unsure. Thank you Mark, our guardian angel, wholeheartedly from the bottom of our hearts. Your support has enabled our son to look forward towards a rosy and healthy future and has allowed us for the first time in many years to believe we can finally become a happy finally. We will forever be grateful. xx

Z. S.

Today was the SEND appeal hearing for my son's school provision, seeking Funding for an ABA consultant and skilled tutor in school. I was represented by Mr Mark Small who prepared myself and my witness robustly for the questions that we would be asked and eloquently presented our evidence. In contrast with Mr Small's presentation, the local authority's case lacked cohesion, at best. We must wait to hear the decision but I cannot fault Mr Small's diligence and remarkable analysis of the evidence and I certainly don't think that we would have been able to present such a cohesive and effective case without his expertise today.

S. S.

We cannot stress how impressive Mr Small has been. He is knowledgeable not just in the points of SEN law but also deeply experienced in the “thinking” and “likely moves” of both LAs and Tribunal panels. This makes him not only an excellent lawyer but a great strategist. He will give you an honest, balanced and realistic appraisal of your case. He speaks frankly and to the point - you really get the impression that every minute spent with him discussing one’s case is time-efficient. One feels confident after speaking with him. We switched to Mr Small’s firm after spending thousands of pounds on a “well respected” SEN lawyer who - frankly - simply led us up the garden path. Switching to Mr Small was the best decision we could have made for our son. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

C. D.

Marvellous support and advice from Mark. Always on hand to give advice when we needed it. Helped us to settle an SEN appeal through mediation when other firms said we needed to spend thousands on reports... so glad we spoke to Mark as he saved us a small fortune. Highly recommend Mark if you are in dispute with your Local Authority.

j. S.

We recently got in touch with Mark Small regarding support while going through various issues regarding EHCP and provision. Mark has been extremely patient with us and has been providing us excellent professional advice which has helped us immensely. Mark has been very kind, professional and knowledgeable. I only wish I had contacted him earlier.

F. C.

Decision just in... won on all grounds. Mark you are a star. I know it was a horrible case and the Local Authority did their best to intimidate us all. You maintained your professionalism in trying circumstances and protected us from their vile behaviour. Because of your support and advice you have given our son an incredible opportunity in his new school with support and therapies that he had been denied. I am so glad you were on our side. Thank you very much!

B. L.

Excellent support and advice for an SEN Tribunal appeal. Mark was first class in all respects and we secured the school of our choice for our daughter.

L. J.

A 5 star service. Great advice and support. Mark is very busy but he always found time for us and we always felt supported and in safe hands. A really terrific solicitor.

g. m.

Mark has been an absolutely amazing, thanks to him my daughter has a concise and tight EHC. Can't recommend him highly enough.

E. S.

Baker Small have been an excellent help to me in the past few months with my appeal to assess my child. Thank you.

M. L.

Great legal advice and support provided by Baker Small. Would highly recommend to parents.

J. W.

Absolutely superb support from Mark. One of the best. Thank you for your support!

J. C.

Can't catch my fai

S. B.

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