Appealing to the SEND Tribunal Service

We can support you with preparing and lodging your appeal to SEND Tribunal, helping you with paperwork, guiding you through the process, and we may be able to attend with you.

It's a good idea to continue talking to the local authority when you are in disagreement, as it may be possible to resolve without having to lodge an appeal.  Let them know what it is you disagree with and what you would like changed.  These discussions will help you decide whether to appeal and if you do, it could be useful when building your case. Continue talking with them even after lodging an appeal.

Appealing to the SEND Tribunal is a formal legal process and can feel quite daunting for parents. Information and preparation are key and information about the appeal process are contained within this section but if you have any questions about appealing, please get in touch.  If you are thinking about appealing these local authority decisions, you must firstly consider mediation.

If you instruct legal representation we will step back from active involvement but will remain available for information and ongoing advice and support around related issues. 

You can read further information on:-

 Council for Disabled Children - Guidelines for parent carers looking for support with tribunals or disputesHow to appeal an SEN decision from HM Courts & Tribunal ServiceEasyRead version: How to appeal a SEN decision from HM Courts & Tribunal