Rachel Baxter

Rachel Baxter is a specialist senior paralegal in Boyes Turner’s Special Educational Needs team with over 20 years’ experience supporting children, young people and their families. She is recognised for her work in helping families understand and secure the educational provision their child needs, with a strong focus on achieving practical outcomes that make a meaningful difference to day-to-day life and long-term development.

As the parent of two children with SEN, including intellectual disability, Rachel brings valuable first-hand experience of the challenges many families face and the transformative impact that the right educational support can have. This personal insight informs her work and enables her to support families with empathy, understanding and clear, practical guidance throughout what can often be a complex and demanding process.

Rachel supports families across a range of SEND matters, including Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments, EHC Plans, annual reviews, school placement disputes and appeals to the SEND Tribunal. She works closely with families to help them understand their options, prepare the strongest possible case, and navigate each stage of the process. Her combination of professional experience, detailed knowledge of SEND processes, and personal understanding of the realities facing families means she is well placed to guide parents through challenging decisions and disputes with clarity, compassion and determination.

Rachel has a particular interest in cases concerning autism with developmental delay or intellectual disability. She assists families in matters involving mainstream, specialist and independent placements, ensuring that each child’s circumstances are fully understood and that the support sought is appropriate, realistic and centred on achieving best outcomes.

Rachel is known for her empathetic and approachable manner, taking the time to understand each family’s individual circumstances and concerns. Drawing on both her professional knowledge and personal experience, she provides practical support and reassurance throughout what can often be a challenging and emotional time. Clients value her commitment to helping families feel heard, informed and empowered as they work towards securing the right educational outcomes for their children.