SEND Tribunal

Also called First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability). That is the name used in diagnostic manuals and on most official paperwork.

If the council says no, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal. It is separate from the council, and it can order them to assess your child or to change an EHC plan.

Applies in England

The SEND Tribunal is part of the courts system, not part of the council, and its decisions bind the local authority Local authority Your local council. In England, Wales and Scotland, this is the body you ask to assess what extra help your child needs. Read the full definition of Local authority . Parents appeal Appeal A formal challenge to the SEND Tribunal about a council's EHC decision. It is free to bring, and you do not need a lawyer. Read the full definition of Appeal to it about refusals to carry out an EHC needs assessment, refusals to issue an EHC plan, and the contents of a plan, including the school named in it. It also hears disability discrimination claims against schools.

Appealing is free, you do not need a lawyer, and most appeals that reach a hearing succeed. Deadlines are strict, usually two months from the council's decision letter, and for most appeal types you first need a mediation certificate Mediation certificate A piece of paper you get after contacting a mediation adviser. You usually need it before you can appeal about an EHC plan. Read the full definition of Mediation certificate , which you get by contacting a mediation Mediation A meeting where an independent person helps you and the council try to agree. You must think about it before most SEND appeals, but you do not have to go. Read the full definition of Mediation service. Your local SENDIASS can help you through the process at no cost.

Across the UK

  • Education Tribunal for Wales : In Wales, appeals about additional learning needs go to the Education Tribunal for Wales.
  • Additional Support Needs jurisdiction, Health and Education Chamber : In Scotland, references about additional support needs go to the Health and Education Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland.
  • Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (Northern Ireland) : Northern Ireland has its own Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.

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