Case Studies

You can read some examples of the recent casework we have done below. This will give you an idea of the type of work the Legal and Casework team we can help with.

Health and Safety in Schools

NICCY were contacted by a teacher who was enquiring as to whether there was any provision to allow or prohibit children from drinking from water bottles in class. This matter had been raised by the pupils via their school council. NICCY liaised with the Health and Safety Executive and was able to provide the necessary guidance to the school.

Special Educational needs and suspensions

NICCY were contacted by the mother of a young boy who has a diagnosis of autism. He was involved in an incident at school and was suspended from school and this suspension was extended on a number of occasions. NICCY advised the mother regarding the lawfulness of the suspensions and attended at a meeting in the school with her to discuss the suspensions. NICCY obtained a legal opinion which indicated that the child could have a potential cause of action against the school. NICCY liaised with the school, the Education and Library Board, the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education and the mother’s private solicitor and barrister regarding the ongoing nature of the suspensions. Following the threat of legal proceeding the school agreed to allow the child to return to the school on a phased basis to reintegrate him to attending fulltime.

Medication in schools

NICCY were contacted by the mother of a young person who is diabetic and requires to be injected with insulin during the school day. However, the school did not have any staff who were trained to administer his injections so he was missing out on his medication during the school day. As a result he was finding it hard to concentrate in school and was unable to take part in PE classes. NICCY advised the mother on the rights of the child regarding the administration of medication in schools and also liaised with the diabetic nurses for the area. NICCY discussed with the mother the range of legal options that were available to her. Fortunately the matter resolved by the ELB agreeing to train two members of staff in the administration of the medication.

Adaptations to house for young person with a disability

NICCY were contacted by the mother of a young person who has spina bifida. The house in which the family were living was not adapted to his needs and the family had received approval to extend the house however there were problems with getting the plans agreed and the funding sorted. This meant that the young person was having to be assisted with his personal care by his mother as the existing bathroom was not suitable for his needs. NICCY took an active role in this case and liaised with the occupational therapists, the NIHE and the Housing Association who owned the house. The matter resolved with the plans being approved and we understand that the building work is to commence shortly.

Exclusion from classes

NICCY were contacted by a parent of a young person who had been excluded from attending classes in a certain subject in school. This was as a result of an internal complaint that was being investigated by the Board of Governors of the school. NICCY met with the parents and the young person and then liaised with the school to negotiate the return of the young person to her class.