Appeal to the SEND Tribunal
Parents and young people can also register an appeal about anything relating to EHC plans. These appeals go to the special educational needs and disability (SEND) tribunal. This is an independent, first-tier tribunal.
You have 2 months from a decision to register an appeal.
You must contact a mediator before registering an appeal (see above). They will provide information about mediation. You can choose whether you wish to use mediation or not. The mediator will give you a certificate. This shows that you have contacted them so you can register your appeal.
Sometimes you don’t need a certificate to register an appeal.
This is where the appeal is about you not being happy:
- with the name of the school or setting on the EHC plan
- with the type of school or setting
- that no school or other institution is named
- with the health and social care elements of the EHC plan
A booklet, ‘Special Educational Needs: How to Appeal’, can be obtained from the Tribunal and their contact details are as follows:
HM Courts & Tribunals Service
Special Educational Needs & Disability Tribunal
1st Floor, Darlington Magistrates’ Court
Parkgate, Darlington
DL1 1RU
Telephone: 01325 289 350
Email: sendistqueries@hmcts.gsi.gov.uk
Website: http://www.justice.gov.uk/tribunals/send