Our Team

Mark Small

Director, Solicitor-Advocate(LLB (Hons), Dip.L.G)

Mark is a qualified solicitor-advocate and specialises in SEND law and practice. Mark is passionate in helping parents and carers to navigate the SEND system and to ensure that their children receive the appropriate support when accessing education. 

Mark's knowledge of SEND is extensive and has covered a wide spectrum including work for parents, voluntary organisations, local authorities, schools, health and social care bodes and professionals. Mark's work is equally diverse and has included general advisory support, advocacy, training and representation before Courts and Tribunals. 

Experience

Mark has considerable experience of managing and undertaking SEND tribunal appeals in both the First Tier Tribunal and Upper Tier Tribunal. Since 2012, Mark has been involved in 25 reported cases in the Upper Tier which has led to important legal precedents being established in response to the Children and Families Act 2014.  Mark's reported cases include:

  • JS v Worcestershire County Council [2012] UKUT 451 (AAC) (20 November 2012)
  • CW v Hertfordshire County Council [2013] UKUT 90 (AAC) (07 February 2013)
  • Davies & Bowie v Gloucestershire County Council [2013] UKUT 0112 (AAC)
  • CS v WCC [2013] HS/0896/2013
  • Buckinghamshire County Council v ST [2013] UKUT 468 (AAC)
  • Buckinghamshire County Council v HW [2013] UKUT 0470 (AAC)
  • Worcestershire County Council v JJ (SEN) [2014] UKUT 0406 (AAC)
  • LW v Norfolk County Council [2015] (SEN) UKUT 0065 (AAC)
  • KC v LB Hammersmith and Fulham (SEN) [2015] UKUT 0177 AAC
  • MA v Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (SEN) [2015] UKUT 0186 (AAC)
  • Cambridgeshire County Council v SF (SEN) [2015] UKUT 0231 (AAC)
  • Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea v CD [2015] UKUT 396 (AAC)
  • Hammersmith & Fulham LBC v L, Hammersmith & Fulham LBC v F, O v Lancashire CC, H v Lancashire CC [2015] UKUT 0523 (AAC)
  • P v Worcestershire County Council (SEN) [2016] UKUT 0120 (AAC)
  • R (Y) v London Borough of Croydon [2016] 138 QBD 
  • Cambridgeshire County Council v FL-J [2016] UKUT 225 (AAC) 
  • London Borough of Croydon v LE (SEN) [2016] HS/2365/2015
  • SC and MS v Worcestershire County Council [2016] UKUT 267 (AAC)
  • London Borough of Hillingdon v WW [2016] UKUT 0253 (AAC)
  • Buckinghamshire County Council v SJ [2016] UKUT 0254 (AAC)
  • S v Worcestershire County Council [2017] UKUT 0092
  • Gloucestershire County Council v E (SEN) [2017] UKUT 0085
  • CG v Proprietor of NHS [UKUT] 319 (AAC) [2017] 
  • The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea v GG (SEN) [2017] UKUT 141 (AAC)
  • London Borough of Hillingdon v SS and TS and ES (SEN) (Special educational needs - special educational provision - naming school or other institution in EHC plan) [2017] UKUT 250 (AAC) (12 June 2017)
  • Nottinghamshire County Council v SF and GD (SEN) [2019] UKUT 243 (AAC) (13 August 2019)

Mark believes that legal services should be accessible and cost effective.

Sen4you is a product of those beliefs, tailored to meet the challenges faced by parents and carers in navigating the SEND system. 

Professional Qualifications

  • 2010 - Diploma in Local Government Law
  • 2011 - Higher Rights of Audience (Civil) 
  • 2012 - ILM Diploma in Management (Level 5)
  • 2018 - Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator (ADR Group)

Memberships

  • ADR Group Accredited Mediator
  • Member of Civil Mediation Council 
  • Solicitors Advocacy Group

Interests

  • Bristol City Season Ticket holder
  • World War 2
  • Military aviation