HCB Widdows Mason Named Education Law Services of the Year

HCB Widdows Mason is celebrating after being named Education Law Services of the Year at the prestigious Welsh Law Awards in Cardiff.

The award recognises the outstanding work of our specialist Education Law team, who support thousands of parents, children and young people each year when they are facing difficulties with education and need help securing the support to which they are entitled.

Education Law is a specialist area, but for the families who come to us for help, the issues they face are anything but niche.

Whether a child is struggling to access the right additional learning needs support, a family is challenging a decision made by a school or local authority, or a young person is experiencing difficulties within their educational setting, the consequences can be significant.

Our Education Law team works alongside families to help them understand their rights, challenge decisions where necessary and secure the appropriate support for their child.

Making a difference to children and families

Every year, our team handles thousands of enquiries from parents and students looking for advice and representation across a wide range of education law issues.

This includes matters relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Additional Learning Needs (ALN), Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), Individual Development Plans (IDPs), education tribunals, annual reviews, exclusions, admissions, school transport, disability discrimination and children who are out of education.

The work can be demanding and often comes at an extremely difficult time for families. However, it is also incredibly rewarding.

For our Education Law solicitors and support staff, helping a child access the education and support they need is at the heart of what they do.

There is no greater reward than seeing a family move from a position of uncertainty and frustration to having the right support in place, giving a child the opportunity to learn, develop and reach their full potential.

Recognition for a dedicated Education Law team

The Welsh Law Awards recognition is a significant achievement for HCB Widdows Mason and reflects the commitment of the entire Education Law team.

It also recognises the wider work of the firm in supporting families and individuals who need specialist legal advice at some of the most challenging points in their lives.

Director Andrew Boarclough said:

“I am simply thrilled that our fantastic team has been recognised with this award, which reflects the efforts of the firm as a whole.

My sincere thanks go to everyone in the department, as well as colleagues across the firm, who work so hard for our clients. The direct support our lawyers and assistants provide to parents and students is incredibly important and worthwhile.

This award is a fantastic recognition of the team’s dedication and the difference they make to the families we support.”

Supporting families when education goes wrong

For parents, trying to secure the right educational support for their child can be overwhelming. Understanding the legal framework, knowing what a school or local authority should be providing and challenging a decision can be difficult without specialist advice.

That is why our Education Law team is committed to providing clear, practical and supportive legal advice to families.

We are proud that the Welsh Law Awards have recognised not only the expertise of our Education Law solicitors, but the dedication and compassion they bring to their work every day.

Most importantly, we would like to thank the thousands of families who have trusted us to support them.

We are incredibly proud to be named Education Law Services of the Year and even prouder of the difference our team makes to the children, young people and families we support.