Education: Individuals

Rook Irwin Sweeney is a specialist public law and human rights firm with a noteworthy presence in the education sector. The firm frequently provides disabled children and their families with representation in SEND Tribunal appeals concerning school placement and provision. The team also assists with legal challenges and cases concerning the operation of the Children and Families Act 2014.

"Rook Irwin Sweeney gave clear expert analysis and comprehensive advice."

"Rook Irwin Sweeney have built a team of lawyers who not only know their stuff, but conduct themselves with a level of compassion and commitment that is, in our experience, unparalleled."

"The team were always prompt in their answers with the best legal advice and very professional. They were very confident on what needs to be done next and what the law says in any occasion."

Rook Irwin Sweeney acted on behalf of three disabled children in a judicial review which challenged the decision of a private company to end their 52 week residential placement at Purbeck View Schoolwith just three weeks' notice and with nowhere else suitable for them to move.

Polly Sweeney is highly experienced in handling appeals at the SEND Tribunal concerning placement and exclusion. She also deals with cases concerning funding cuts and Education, Health and Care Plan amendments. "Polly gives comprehensive advice to navigate complex legal matters in a way that is meaningful to non-lawyers." "She is a very thorough and conscientious practitioner." "Polly Sweeney is exceptional at what she does. Her litigation skills are extremely strong and she is a warrior for special needs children and their parents." "She is a fearless ambassador and I have every faith that I will always have the best outcome with Polly by my side." "Polly is, quite simply, a superhero. What she achieved for our family has been profoundly life-enhancing for us all."

Caroline Barrett handles a broad range of contentious matters in the education sector, often acting in judicial reviews and SEND Tribunal proceedings. She has a strong practice handling issues concerning Education, Health and Care Plans on behalf of young people and their parents. "Caroline is lovely to work with. She is approachable, knowledgeable and very professional." "She has the fantastic ability to explain complex legal issues to non- lawyers and to give pertinent guidance for the present and the future." "Caroline is very knowledgeable, empathetic and professional. She is always available and ready to help."