Sophia Beekmann

I first came across Watkins Solicitors after attending a free SEN event in Poole. At that point, I was completely at my wits' end. I had already secured an EHCP for my son, who has combined ADHD, but I was struggling to understand the next steps and was facing continual challenges with his school over reasonable adjustments. To be honest, the EHCP felt as though it was closing more doors than it was opening. That is where the team at Watkins Solicitors truly stepped in. From the outset, they took the time to understand both my son and our situation. They carefully reviewed and rewrote key sections of his EHCP and guided me through what felt like an overwhelming and often daunting process. As a property lawyer juggling a demanding workload, I appreciated their ability to cut through the complexity, focus on the issues that really mattered, and explain everything in clear, plain English. Throughout the matter, my son remained at the heart of every decision. Emma attended his annual review at very short notice and was a guiding light during a difficult period. I was always kept informed of any staff changes or developments, and every member of the team was calm, approachable, understanding and reassuring. Celine, Dylan and Sophia were instrumental in helping us reach the outcome we desperately needed. Their expertise, determination and attention to detail ultimately secured independent provision for my son in a setting that perfectly matched the recommendations of the educational psychologist. A special mention must go to Sophia, who was simply outstanding. After a stressful summer spent waiting for decisions from the Local Authority, she effectively held my hand through the final stages of the process. She demonstrated not only exceptional legal knowledge, but also genuine empathy and compassion. Most importantly, she never lost sight of the fact that beneath all the paperwork, reports and legal arguments was a child who simply deserved access to the right education. Thanks to the team at Watkins Solicitors, my son has now started at a school that meets his needs, and we have hope and optimism for his future again. I cannot recommend Emma, Celine, Dylan, Sophia and the wider team highly enough. Their professionalism, expertise and unwavering support have made a life-changing difference to our family. 5 stars without hesitation.

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Sophia Beekmann

Sophia adopts a relational approach to her work, actively sought to understand our family’s specific experience, and never forgot a child was at the centre of the stressful EHCP appeal process. As a result, she provided us with highly tailored, and accurate advice. The time taken to establish trust enabled her to provide us with both support and, at times compassionate challenge. Based on the communications we were party to and the positive outcome achieved, Sophia also established a respectful working relationship with the Local Authority Officer. Though the appeal process was long and arduous Sophia was always diligent and reasonable. She possesses excellent legal knowledge which she communicates in a way parents understand and drew on the advice of colleagues whenever appropriate. Her documentation was consistently clear and accurate, and she always responded promptly to our questions. In the pursuit of a robust ECHP, Sophia’s combination of outstanding legal expertise and genuine, human-cantered care has made a profound difference for our family. We would recommend Sophia to anyone navigating the complexities of an EHCP appeal.

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Sophia Beekmann

We secured Watkins Solicitors to produce a PAP letter for judicial review. The service was prompt, professional and ensured the local authority made a more timey decision about my child's EHCP. Update: Another team at Watkins successfully challenged my son's EHCP and now our son now has a document that better reflects his needs and a place in an appropriate school that will now enable him to flourish. We can't thank the team enough.

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Sophia Beekmann

Celine Conley

Aryan Mishra

Sophia and Wania both worked extremely hard to help ensure my daughter had all the required provision in her EHCP. The LA were particularly difficult during this appeal but the service offered and the effort put in to obtain the right outcome for my daughter were exceptional. I would highly recommend Sophia to anyone looking for support during this process.

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Sophia Beekmann

The EHCP process is challenging and painful for parents. For us is was a multi-year struggle which could not have happened without Sophia Beekmann, Celine Conley and Wania Hussain of Watkins Solicitors. They helped us appeal the initial rejection and also go through the process of preparing for tribunal to ensure the best school for our son was named in his EHCP. The team was proactive with a challenging local authority, explained whenever we had questions and steered us to a successful outcome. We are grateful.

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Sophia Beekmann

Celine Conley

Wania Hussain