SEN in Mainstream schools:

Rathbones has a good selection of free information sheets covering a number of problems: exclusion, how to complain, finding funding, etc. Ring them on 0800 917 6790.

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) is committed to building a world-class education and training framework that meets the changing needs of individuals, business and society. We lead developments in curriculum, assessments, examinations and qualifications.

Special arrangements for the National Curriculum Assessment
Further clarification and information about some changes to special arrangements for the National Curriculum Assessment Tests are included in the Assessment and Reporting Arrangements booklets which QCA sent to all schools in October. These include:
· use of prompters;
· compensatory awards in the mental maths and spelling tests for pupils with profound hearing loss;
· special consideration - allows a pupil's final level to be adjusted in very exceptional circumstances;
· dealing with disruption during the test.

Guidance has also been updated on the use of word processors, amanuenses, transcripts and readers; special arrangements for the mental maths tests, and rest breaks. There is also more detailed guidance on the use of additional time and early opening of papers.
The booklets are available from QCA publications, Tel: 01787 884444 and at: href="http://www.qca.org.uk/" mce_href="http://www.qca.org.uk/">www.qca.org.ukk

ADHD Adults and the Criminal Justice System:

Young adults with ADHD may find themselves in trouble with the police. A list of solicitors specialising in criminal law who also have a knowledge of Asperger Syndrome has been compiled by and is available from the Asperger Backup Campaign (01202 399208).

Levines - is a law firm who have some experience in all aspects of the legal system and awareness of ADHD and associated conditions - they have specialist advisors for SEN Tribunal, Childrens Law, Educational Law, Prison Law and most other other aspects of the Law. "I have spoken to a couple of people within this company and they have been very helpful and have said that they are happy to speak to anyone about the Law and take on cases for those who have ADHD for which they do have experience especially with education and criminal law" CH Ed
Website: Levenes

Fisher Meredith - is a law firm who have some experience in all aspects of the legal system and awareness of ADHD and associated conditions - they have specialist advisors for SEN Tribunal, Childrens Law, Educational Law, Prison Law and most other other aspects of the Law. "I have spoken to a couple of people within this company and they have been very helpful and have said that they are happy to speak to anyone about the Law and take on cases for those who have ADHD for which they do have experience especially with education and criminal law" CH Ed
Website: Fisher Meredith

Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP - is a law firm who have experience in all aspects of the legal system but especially with things like: "Education: Special educational needs, Exclusions and disciplinary matters, Children out of school, Attendance and truancy, Examination results, Choice of schools, Sick children, School transport, Human rights and judicial reviews, Disability discrimination, Education negligence. Community Rights: Access to statutory services, Community care law, Young people leaving care, Disability discrimination, Housing, Homelessness, Welfare Benefits. We are always pleased to give talks and presentations to community groups and charities on all aspects of our work at no cost. We are able to offer free specialist legal advice to those on low incomes or welfare benefits through the Legal Aid scheme."
Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP

There is also the Disability Law Service:
Disability Law Service, Ground Floor, 39-45 Cavell Street, London E1 2BP
Tel: 020 7791 9800, Fax: 020 7791 9802, Textphone: 020 7791 9801, Helpline: 020 7791 9800
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.dls.org.uk/index.html
Provides free, confidential legal advice to disabled people, their families, carers and enablers throughout the UK.

Sinclairs Solicitors - Are a specialist education law practice with a legal aid franchise in the subject. They are one of the few firms that specialise in both school and Higher Education matters covering support not only for children but to adults. They also work with specialist knowledge of criminal law and medical difficulties.
Sinclairs Solicitors

Maxwell Gillott Solicitors - We are a specialist firm, working in the fields of education law, special educational needs, clinical negligence and medical law. We act for people throughout England and Wales on all aspects of education and medical law, advising them on their rights, representing them at Tribunals and panels, and bringing Court actions where necessary. Most of our work is for children with disabilities, but we will act for people of all ages who have problems in these areas
Maxwell Gillott Solicitors

OTHER HELP

Health Service Problems:

AvMA - How we can help you. AvMA has a team of medically and legally trained caseworkers who can provide free and confidential advice following a medical accident. This includes advice on your rights; medical information or explanations; help in getting the issues investigated; assessment of potential for obtaining compensation; and other sources of practical and emotional support. They have some fantastic advice online including how to complain about problems within the health service, access to medical records as well as loads of other information, help and advice on your rights and also details of solicitors who are specialised in this area. Certainly worth a visit when there are problems like this to get the best up to date information on your rights within the NHS.

Financial:

Fielding Porter Solicitors (Bolton) Tel: 01204 591123 is a legal practice whose Mental Health Department offers expertise to parents concerned about the best way to organise their own financial affairs on behalf of their child, or the child's own finances. The firm offers parents a free, brief consultation over the phone. Speak to Ms Catherine Grimshaw.

next: ADHD for the Legal Profession