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Understanding SEND Tribunals
The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal is a crucial resource for parents and young people in the UK. It provides a formal avenue to resolve disagreements with local authorities regarding special educational needs (SEN) and provisions. This includes disputes over Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.
If you find yourself at odds with a decision made by your local authority—whether it's about assessing EHC needs, issuing or amending an EHC plan, or maintaining an existing plan—the SEND Tribunal is there to help you seek a fair resolution.
What You Can Appeal
You have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal if your local authority:
Refuses to conduct an EHC assessment or reassessment.
Declines to issue an EHC plan following an assessment.
Decides not to amend the educational sections of an existing EHC plan.
Opts to cease an EHC plan for your child or young person.
Additionally, the Tribunal addresses appeals concerning disability discrimination by schools or local authorities, ensuring that your child's rights are protected.
The Appeal Process
To initiate an appeal, you typically need to engage with a mediator within one month of receiving the decision letter from your local authority. If mediation does not resolve the issue, you can then submit your appeal to the Tribunal within two months of the decision letter or one month of contacting the mediator. The Tribunal hearings are conducted by independent panels, including a judge and specialist members, and are often held via video conference, making the process more accessible.
Support and Resources
Navigating the SEND Tribunal process can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. There are numerous resources available to support you here: SEN - Information & Support
