Watkins Solicitors Incorporating Brain Sinnott & Co

Words truly aren't enough to say how amazing Celine and the team have been. Celine took on our EHCP appeal from the very start and even when she went on maternity leave, everything was handed over so smoothly to Sophia, who was brilliant and kept everything moving perfectly. Then when Celine came back towards the end, she picked right back up fighting for us like she's never been away. Celine answered every single question I had, always got back to me quickly, sorted every issue straight away, and never, not once gave up. She worked so hard, was professional every step of the way and fought tirelessly to get the right placement for Zak. Thanks to her determination, we secured the independent school placement we needed and the Local Authority conceded 2 weeks before the tribunal date. I honestly don't think we would have got this outcome without Celine, Sophia, Wania and the team. They cared so deeply, stood up for what was right and made sure that my son got what he deserves, I will be forever grateful. Thank you Celine and team you are absolutely amazing.

Solicitors tagged in
this review

Celine Conley

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.

Legal experts tagged in
this review

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.

Legal experts tagged in
this review

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.

Legal experts tagged in
this review

Celine Conley

Sophia Beekmann

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.

Legal experts tagged in
this review

Sophia Beekmann

Professional, knowledgeable and prompt. The team at Watkins successfully challenged my son's EHCP and now has a document that better reflects his needs and a place in an appropriate school that will now enable him to flourish.

Watkins Solicitors provided exceptional support during our recent EHCP appeal (Sections B and F). Our legal representatives, Sophia Beekmann and Emma Thompson, brought excellent legal expertise and genuine, human-centred care to a difficult process. We also benefited from input from Christopher White and Dylan Taylor-Bloodworth who were similarly professional. Watkins understood our family's specific experience, offering tailored advice, prompt communication, and a compassionate, diligent approach throughout. They built a respectful working relationship with the Local Authority Officer which helped us achieve a positive outcome and a robust EHCP for our child. We are incredibly grateful for their support and would highly recommend Watkins Solicitors to any family navigating the complexities of an EHCP appeal.

Amazing service from Emma. Efficient, professional and personable. Emma’s knowledge and experience in the SEN education system was astounding. She guided us and advised us of any additional requirements needed to support our case. We are extremely grateful for the way she conducted the whole process; she made it extremely stressful free. There were active communication’s to the LA for updates on our case. And she was always prompt to reply to any of our queries. I highly recommend!

Emma was always quick to respond to my emails, very knowledgeable about SEND law, and gave excellent, clear advice. Supported us through the Annual review process and secured the right wording in section F. Thank you for all your help. Highly recommend Watkins Solicitors for all SEN issues.

Watkins Solicitors have gone above and beyond for our childs very difficult and drawn out SEN Tribunal case against the LA. Thank goodness we instructed them when we did as we simply would never have had the knowledge or experience to get the hugely successful outcome, that Watkins Solicitors achieved for us. They shouldered so much for us, when it was the most stressful time. Also, this was all happening over the Christmas period! However, we never once felt we were on our own or couldn't reach out for assurance and had a very speedy response, even when everything else was closed or shut! Emma Thompson, especially, was exemplary. Her ability to know exactly what to do, how much to push when and how, took such a huge burden off of our shoulders and gave us a real feeling of trust and assurance that no matter what curve balls the LA may have thrown, she was there with us. Beverly Watkins, who has over 25years SEN/Education law experience, should be incredibly proud of the practice she has grown and the staff that work for her. Watkins Solicitors give SEN parents who are facing totally uncharted and frankly terrifying territory throughout SEN Tribunals a place of safety, incredible knowledge of education law and peace of mind that their child's Tribunal case is in the very safe and experienced hands of total experts. We would not hesitate to use them again in the future or recommend Watkins to family or friends. Absolutely first class.