Access Compass guide
SEND Tribunal (SENDIST): appealing an EHC plan decision
You can challenge the council's decision about your child's special educational needs. This guide covers the deadline, mediation (a meeting to try to settle things first), and how to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. The Tribunal's formal name is the First-tier Tribunal (SEND).
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Who it's for: Parents & carers, Children & young people, Adults, Families
Not yet verified Last checked 7 Jul 2026. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.
Step by step
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Check the decision can be appealed
You can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (SEND) if the local authority refuses to carry out an EHC needs assessment or re-assessment, refuses to issue an EHC plan after an assessment, refuses to change the education parts of a plan, or decides to stop maintaining a plan. You can also appeal the description of needs (Section B), the special educational provision (Section F) and the school or placement named (Section I).
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Note your deadline
Your appeal must reach the Tribunal within two months of the date on the local authority's decision letter (or the letter enclosing the final EHC plan), or within one month of the date on your mediation certificate, whichever is later. Diarise the date straight away.
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Contact a mediation adviser
For most appeals you must contact a mediation adviser within two months of the decision letter and talk to them about mediation before you can appeal. If you decide not to mediate, they must send you a mediation certificate within three working days. You need this certificate to lodge your appeal. If you are only appealing the school named in Section I, you do not need a mediation certificate.
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Get free, impartial advice
Contact your local SENDIASS (North Northants SENDIASS on 0300 373 2532, or West Northamptonshire SENDIASS via westnorthants.gov.uk) or the national charity IPSEA for free advice on the merits of your appeal and how to word it. This is free and can strengthen your case.
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Complete and send the appeal form
Complete the SEND Tribunal appeal form (available in the gov.uk SEND Tribunal forms collection) and send it, with your decision letter, EHC plan (if you have one) and mediation certificate, to the Tribunal. You can email send@justice.gov.uk or post it to HM Courts and Tribunals Service, SEND Tribunal, 1st Floor, Darlington Magistrates Court, Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RU. For help call 0300 303 5857.
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Prepare for the hearing
The Tribunal will send a timetable telling you when to send your evidence and when the hearing will be. Gather reports (for example from an educational psychologist, health or therapy professionals) and a short statement of what you want and why. Hearings are held remotely or in person and are relatively informal; you can bring a supporter or advocate.