Tribunals and appeals

Getting the right support for your child can be difficult and it can be common for families to need to go through tribunals to get the best education provision. Below are some reasons why cases may go to tribunal and what you can expect throughout the process.

Why you may want to appeal a decision

You can appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal if you don’t agree with a decision your Local Authority has made about your child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Reasons for appeal include if the Local Authority:

Refuse to make an EHCP assessment or reassessment
Refuse to issue an EHCP after a statutory assessment
Issue an EHCP and you disagree with any of the following. The description of the SEN, SEN provision or the educational setting named in the plan
Refuse to change the sections of an existing EHCP which are about education
Decide your child does not need an EHCP anymore

More information can be found on the gov.uk website. The process is different if you’re in Wales.

How to appeal

EHCP appeal process

You can find further advice for parents on advisory websites such as IPSEA or SOS SEN.