SEND Tribunal (First-tier — HESC)

Overview

The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal is part of the First-tier Tribunal (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber). It hears appeals brought by parents (and over-16-year-old children) against local authority decisions about Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments, EHC plan contents, ceasing of plans, and certain disability discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010 in respect of schools.

What it handles

• Refusal to carry out an EHC needs assessment
• Refusal to issue an EHC plan after assessment
• Disagreement with sections B, F, I (special educational needs, provision, placement) of an EHC plan
• Cessation or non-amendment of an EHC plan
• Disability discrimination claims against schools (Equality Act 2010)

Forms

Fees

• Filing an appeal: No fee

Deadlines

• LA decision letter received → 2 months to file appeal
• Mediation certificate issued (where mediation considered) → 1 month to file appeal

Appeals

Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) on point of law, with permission.

Representation

Many parents self-represent; SENDIAS services and specialist solicitors provide support.

Official sources

Related guides

• School Sen Appeal