“I would absolutely recommend Tayntons and will no doubt be using them again in the near future for our next battle with the education system.” – Mrs C
Imelda joined Tayntons in 2020 to head up the Education Law team which provides specialist advice to parents, carers, case managers and other solicitors about the rights of children and young people regarding a wide range of Education matters and, in particular, Special Educational Needs.
Imelda undertook her training contract with Howard Kennedy Solicitors in London and qualified as a Solicitor in 1990. Having moved to the Cotswolds in 1991 Imelda has specialised in Education Law working with Robert Love at two Gloucestershire law firms.
Imelda has dealt with a wide range of cases including:
- Appeals to the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal
- Judicial Review proceedings in the High Court
- Appeals to the Upper Tier Tribunal, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court
- Professional Negligence cases
- Complaints to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
- Appeals relating to school exclusions and admissions
Acting on behalf of parents and young people Imelda has been instructed in a number of high profile cases including the following reported cases:
- R v Secretary of State for Education and Science, ex parte E (1993) 2 FCR 753, Court of Appeal.
- X (minors) v Bedfordshire County Council, M (a minor) v Newham London Borough Council, E (a minor) v Dorset County Council, Christmas v Hampshire County Council, Keating v London Borough of Bromley (1995) 3 All ER 353, House of Lords.
- Ross v Stanbridge Earls School (2002) EWHC 2255 (Queens Bench Division).
- School Admission Appeals Panel for the London Borough of Hounslow v The Mayor and Burgesses of the London Borough of Hounslow (2002) EWCA Civ 900.
- M v Wiltshire County Council (1) and SENDIST (2) (2006) EWHC 3337 (Admin).
- L v Clarke and Somerset County Council [1998] ELR 129.
- S v City and Council of Swansea and Confrey [2000] ELR 315.
- R v Dorset County Council and the FEFC Ex Parte Goddard [1995] ELR 109 (QBD).
- R (South Gloucestershire LEA) and South Gloucestershire Schools Appeal Panel (2001) EWHC Admin 732, (2002) ELR 309.
- The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea v GG (SEN): [2017] UKUT 141 (AAC).
Having specialised in Education Law for over 30 years Imelda has been noted as a “Recognised Practitioner” for many years in the Chambers and Partners Legal Directory, as follows:
2021 – “Imelda Brennan possesses considerable experience in a range of SEN matters, including judicial review proceedings and appeals before the First-tier and Upper Tribunals. She is particularly well known for her representation of parents in tribunals concerning placement in specialist educational institutions.”
2020 – “Imelda Brennan is ‘hugely knowledgeable in the area of SEND education,’ according to market sources, and is noted for her representation of parents in tribunals concerning placement in specialist educational institutions. Interviewees say: ‘She doesn’t miss anything and looks at issues objectively in order to see a way through and come to a solution. She’s really supportive of the parents during the process and does her absolute best to get them a good result.’”
2019 – “Imelda Brennan is recommended for her representation of young adults in SEN and disability tribunals. She also has extensive experience acting for clients in judicial review proceedings against local authorities.”
2018 – “Imelda Brennan acts for young adults and parents in SENDIST appeals, Upper Tribunal appeals. Judicial Review challenges and the EHC needs assessment process. Clients say: ‘Imelda is very accessible, generous with her time, highly knowledgeable and calm in a crisis. She is also very thorough and professional.’”
2017 – “Imelda Brennan is a seasoned education lawyer with particular expertise in judicial review matters. She is highly praised by the market for her strong knowledge, empathy and listening skills.”
2016 – “Imelda Brennan has long-standing experience in the education sector. In addition to SENDIST matters she also provides advice to parents in connection with school admissions and exclusions.”
2015 – “Imelda Brennan is sought after by parents for her expertise in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunals and appeals. Interviewees praise her efficiency and understanding of cases, noting that ‘she has a good head on her shoulders.’”
Imelda has a Bachelor of Social Science in Law, Sociology and Anthropology from Keele University. She completed her Solicitor’s Professional Examinations at Chester College of Law.
For the latest SEND Tribunal update, click here.