Case law update 46 - Kumar v Hillingdon – entitlements to lawyers at EHCP mediation

This is part of our case law series reviewing judgements relating to the implementation of the Children and Families Act 2014.

Each review looks at a specific case and explains the potential implications for parents, local authorities and sector practitioners. The reviews have been produced for us by Barrister Steve Broach.

This case concerned whether a parent is entitled to bring a lawyer to a mediation with a local authority. Ms Kumar was in dispute with Hillingdon London Borough regarding her son’s EHCP. Ms Kumar pursued mediation and wanted her lawyer to attend but was told that Hillingdon would not attend a mediation with her lawyer present.