At Match Solicitors, we have a team of specialists dedicated to dealing with disputes between parents and independent schools. Our team has many years of experience not only in managing all kinds of disputes, but also in avoiding litigation where possible and obtaining the best outcome for parents as painlessly as possible. Heading up the team is one of the Directors of Match, Anita Chopra, who is recognised as one of only a few experts who specialise in this area, in this country.
We understand that when disputes occur between the parents of children at independent schools, parents often feel that they are powerless to fight against whatever injustice they perceive as having taken place. This is because unlike state schools, independent schools are not legally obliged to conform to government guidelines, specifically to the Education Acts or the Department for Education's Guidance. However, what parents often fail to realise is that independent schools must still conform to the principles of public law and natural justice, not to mention Independent School Regulations. When disputes arise or when the level of education is found to be unsatisfactory, parents still have recourse to the law.
It is also important to remember that the legal relationship between any school in the independent sector and parents of pupils attending that school is a contractual one, and as with any contractual agreement, the service provided in exchange for fees paid must be of an adequately high standard.
What kinds of disputes can we help you with?
Match Solicitors have helped parents with a wide range of issues with independent schools. Here is a short list of some of the most common issues:
- Disputes concerning the removal of pupils from independent schools without the necessary notice, often tied to disputes regarding non-payment of fees
- Disputes arising from suspension, expulsion or requests to remove pupils
- Complaints and complaint hearings
- Disputes arising from cases or alleged cases of bullying
- Disputes surrounding discrimination issues
- Disputes surrounding negligence claims or other breaches of contract
What can you do to avoid lengthy litigation?
There are a number of things you can do in order to have the best chance of settling any dispute quickly and easily. They include the following:
- Whatever the specific nature of your dispute, be sure to put your complaint in writing. This will give you concrete evidence of everything that has been stated, and cannot be questioned in the same way as verbal communication.
- Be sure to adhere to the school's official complaint procedure, reading it very carefully before you take any action, such as removing your child.
- Keep a record of all communication between you and the school.
- Always try to solve any problems within the school itself in the first instance. More often than not, the school will be just as eager as you are to resolve any issues you have. However, if the problems persist, give us a call at Match Solicitors.
Our focus is always on avoiding lengthy litigation and the costs that this can incur, by seeking a swift and amicable resolution that suits both parties and that the parent can be happy with.
If you need help dealing with a dispute, give us a call today to discuss your case in confidence.
