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SEND APPEAL SUPPORT
A Local Authority decision does not have to be the end of the process
We support families to understand their rights of appeal, challenge decisions with confidence, and build the strongest possible case for their child.
Whether a Local Authority has refused an EHC Needs Assessment, refused to issue an EHCP, or produced a plan that does not accurately reflect a child’s needs or required provision, we help families navigate the appeals process and seek the support their child is entitled to receive.
SEND Professionals with lived experience
ICO Registered
Multi-award winning
When a decision does not reflect your child’s needs, you can challenge it
Receiving a refusal or a decision that does not properly reflect your child’s needs can be extremely difficult, particularly when you know that essential support has not been recognised or secured. However, a Local Authority decision does not have to be the end of the process. Families have legal rights of appeal, and a clear, well-evidenced case can make a significant difference.
A SEND appeal may arise where a Local Authority has refused to carry out an EHC needs assessment, refused to issue an EHCP, or issued a plan that does not accurately identify a child or young person’s needs, specify the provision required or name an appropriate educational placement.
The appeal process involves specific legal tests and strict deadlines, which can feel overwhelming. We help you understand your rights, identify the evidence needed to strengthen your case and provide practical, legally informed support throughout the process, enabling you to make informed decisions at every stage.
How we support you
What we help with
Helping you understand which type of appeal applies to your circumstances and whether mediation or a SEND Tribunal appeal may be the most appropriate next step
Reviewing the evidence available to identify strengths, potential gaps and any areas where further evidence may help strengthen your case
Assisting with the drafting and review of appeal documentation, witness statements, submissions and Tribunal paperwork
Helping families manage key deadlines and communications with both the Local Authority and SEND Tribunal throughout the appeal process
Reviewing Local Authority responses, appeal documents and supporting evidence to ensure they are clear, focused and effectively present your case, including assistance with further submissions where required
Supporting families throughout the Working Document process, including reviewing proposed amendments to ensure needs, outcomes and provision are accurately reflected and informed by the professional evidence
Reviewing the EHCP and working document during the appeal process with a focus on securing clear, specific and legally enforceable provision that accurately reflects a child or young person’s needs
Providing hearing preparation support, including guidance on what to expect, how to present evidence and how to prepare for questions that may arise during the hearing
Providing either full case management support from the beginning of an appeal through to its conclusion, or ad hoc support for families who require assistance with specific stages of their case
You’re not alone
When families often seek SEND appeals support
Many families seek support because the appeals process can feel complex and overwhelming.
★★★★★
“She took over everything, explained every stage clearly, and gave me confidence when I felt completely overwhelmed.”
Ioana C
Parent we supported
An EHC needs assessment has been refused despite evidence suggesting a child or young person’s needs may require further assessment
The Local Authority has completed an assessment but decided not to issue an EHCP.
A final EHCP has been issued but the needs, provision or educational placement do not accurately reflect the child or young person’s circumstances.
Evidence needs reviewing, strengthening and presenting clearly ahead of an appeal deadline.
Appeal deadlines are approaching and families are unsure of the next steps or where to begin.
They want their appeal documents checked before they are submitted.
Our SEND Tribunal appeals support services
Focused support for each type of appeal
Whether you are challenging a refusal decision, seeking amendments to an EHCP, or preparing for Tribunal, our support is focused on your family’s individual circumstances and your child or young person’s specific needs.
01
Refusal to Assess Appeals
Support for families where a Local Authority has refused to carry out an EHC needs assessment, despite evidence indicating that a child or young person may have special educational needs that may require provision through an EHCP.
02
Refusal to Issue Appeals
Support challenging decisions where a Local Authority has completed an EHC needs assessment but decided not to issue an EHCP, despite evidence indicating that one may be required.
03
EHCP Content and Placement Appeals
Support challenging Sections B, F and/or I of a final EHCP where the plan does not accurately identify a child or young person’s special educational needs, specify the provision required to meet those needs, or name an appropriate educational placement. We also support families with extended appeals that include health and social care recommendations alongside the education appeal.
Our process
How our SEND appeals support works
1.
Get in touch
Tell us what decision you have received and the date it was issued. We will explain which type of appeal applies and what steps need to be taken next.
2.
We review your case
We review the decision letter, professional reports and any other relevant documents. We assess the available evidence, identify any gaps and advise you on the most appropriate approach before the appeal deadline.
3.
We prepare the appeal
We draft the grounds of appeal, complete the relevant forms and ensure that the case is clearly aligned with the legal test the Tribunal will apply. Where full case management has been agreed, we can also lodge the appeal on your behalf.
4.
We support you through the process
You move forward with a clear, carefully prepared appeal submitted within the required timeframe. Where ongoing support is agreed, we manage deadlines, review the Local Authority’s response and advise you on the next steps throughout the appeal.
Is this the right support for you?
This support is designed for families who have received a formal decision and are unsure what to do next. We can help you understand whether the decision can be challenged, explore the options available to you, and guide you through the key steps and timescales involved in the appeals process.
SEND appeals support is usually most helpful when…
You have received a refusal letter and need to understand your rights of appeal.
A final EHCP has been issued but key sections do not accurately reflect needs, provision or placement.
Evidence requires strengthening, organising or presenting more clearly before submission to the Tribunal.
Appeal deadlines are approaching and you are unsure of the next steps.
You would like appeal paperwork or evidence reviewed before it is submitted.
You would like appeal paperwork or evidence reviewed before it is submitted
You would like experienced advocacy support to help you navigate the appeals process with greater confidence and reduce the overwhelm that can often accompany SEND disputes and Tribunal proceedings.
This may not be the right fit if…
You are still at the stage of preparing an EHC needs assessment request.
You have received a draft EHCP and require an EHCP draft review rather than appeal support.
Your main concern relates to the annual review process rather than a SEND Tribunal appeal.
Free download
7 Things to Check Before You Accept a Draft EHCP
A practical guide to help you identify unclear wording, missing provision, and the key sections that matter before your EHCP is finalised.
Trusted by families across England
Real reviews from parents and carers we’ve supported through EHCPs, appeals and Tribunals.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions about SEND appeals support
Still unsure about something? We’re always happy to talk it through.
Why families choose us
You are in safe, experienced hands
We are a multi-award-winning team of independent SEND advocates and consultants with backgrounds in healthcare, education and law.
Every member of our team has personal experience of navigating the SEND system, either as a neurodivergent person, as a parent advocating for their own child/ren, or both. That lived experience sits alongside our professional knowledge and shapes the practical, compassionate support we provide.
Our team holds Advanced IPSEA SEND Law Level 3 training at a minimum, undertakes ongoing professional development and keeps up to date with relevant case law, statutory guidance and developments in SEND law. Where appropriate, we may also seek specialist legal input on more complex matters.
We are proud of the recognition our work has received, but we are most proud of the families who continue to place their trust in us and the outcomes we have helped them achieve for their children.
Led by lived experience
Parents & carers of SEND children
SEND GUIDANCE
Helpful guidance for families navigating SEND
Explore related support
Other ways we can help
Tribunal and Advocacy Support
Preparation and strategic support for mediation and formal Tribunal stages.
SEN and EHCP Support
Support at every stage of the EHCP process before appeal becomes necessary.
Advice and Additional Support
Flexible support and guidance when you need a clear understanding of your position, your options and the possible next steps available to you.
Here when you’re ready
You have the right to challenge decisions that do not reflect your child’s needs
A SEND appeal can feel daunting, but you do not have to face it alone. We provide clear, legally informed support when a Local Authority decision does not accurately reflect your child’s needs, required provision or suitable placement.
From initial advice and evidence reviews to ongoing support or full case management, we help you understand your options and build a strong, well-prepared case.