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SEND tribunal hearing support and representation on the day
Independent representation, advocacy and support on the day of your SEND Tribunal hearing
Preparing for a SEND Tribunal hearing can feel daunting and overwhelming for many SEND parents. We provide independent advocacy and representation on the day, helping to present your case and ensure that the key evidence and legal issues are properly addressed.
Why support at the hearing can make a difference to families…
By the time a SEND Tribunal hearing takes place, families have often spent many months gathering evidence, preparing documents and progressing the appeal. The hearing is the opportunity to explain the case to the Tribunal, address the remaining areas of disagreement, respond to the Local Authority’s position and question or cross-examine the witnesses giving evidence.
It is understandable that parents may feel anxious about attending, particularly when the process is unfamiliar and the issues relating to their child’s needs, provision or placement are complex and highly emotive. We provide independent advocacy and representation on the day, helping to present the case, respond to questions and ensure that the key evidence and legal issues are properly addressed throughout the hearing.
We are there to support you both in the hearing and behind the scenes, with preparation beforehand, advice and debriefs during breaks, and support following the hearing.
Key benefits
How we help with SEND tribunal hearings
Independent advocacy and representation throughout the Tribunal hearing
Familiarity with the evidence, disputed issues and likely hearing process
Preparation of opening and closing submissions, where required
Presenting your case, responding to the Local Authority and Tribunal, and questioning witnesses
Ongoing support throughout the hearing, including advice during breaks
A post-hearing debrief and guidance on what happens next
You’re not alone
When families often seek our SEND appeal support
Families often seek support when one of these situations sounds familiar.
★★★★★
“Laura went above and beyond, making sure nothing slipped through the cracks. She never once made me feel like I was asking too much.”
IO
Parent we supported
A Tribunal hearing date has been set and they want to attend with advocacy support
They are concerned the Local Authority may be represented by experienced officers, solicitors or barristers and want someone alongside them with a strong understanding of SEND law and the Tribunal process
They need help preparing clear, structured submissions that reflect the evidence and the issues the Tribunal must decide
They want someone available throughout the hearing to explain what is happening and provide support during breaks
They are concerned that important evidence may be overlooked, key issues may not receive enough attention or parts of the Local Authority’s case may go unchallenged
They want an experienced advocate to present their position, question witnesses and keep their child or young person’s needs central to the hearing
They would like a thorough post-hearing debrief and guidance on the Tribunal’s decision, order and next steps
Our SEND Options
Support options for SEND Tribunal Hearings
We offer different levels of support for families preparing for a SEND Tribunal hearing. This can include help with hearing preparation, advocacy and representation on the day and advice and support after the hearing. The support provided will depend on the stage of your appeal and what you need from us.
Tribunal Hearing Support
Suitable for families who would like dedicated support throughout their SEND Tribunal hearing.
This service is designed to help families feel prepared, supported and confident on the day of the hearing. We work alongside parents to ensure that the issues in dispute, the available evidence and the child’s needs are presented as clearly and effectively as possible.
Our Tribunal Hearing Support may include:
Questioning or cross-examining witnesses, where appropriate
A pre-hearing meeting to review the case, remaining issues and evidence
Advice and debriefs during breaks
Preparing opening and closing submissions, where appropriate
Ongoing communication and support throughout the day
Full attendance, advocacy and representation throughout the hearing
A post-hearing debrief, next-step guidance and support understanding the Tribunal’s decision and order
Presenting your position and responding to the Local Authority and Tribunal
Please note that, although our advocates have professional backgrounds in health, education and law, including a non-practising barrister, we act as independent SEND advocates rather than formal legal representatives or legal counsel. Our role is to provide informed parental advocacy and practical support, helping you present your case and participate effectively throughout the hearing.
Post-Tribunal support
This support is for families who have received the Tribunal’s decision and would like help understanding the outcome and what should happen next.
We can review the decision and order, explain what has been agreed or directed, and identify the actions the Local Authority must now take. Once the amended EHC plan is issued, we can also check that it accurately reflects the Tribunal’s decision and highlight any errors, omissions or outstanding issues that need to be addressed.
This service is designed to help families understand the outcome of their appeal and ensure that the Tribunal’s decision is properly reflected in the final EHCP.
All support is provided by experienced SEND advocates with a strong understanding of SEND law and the Tribunal process. Before work begins, you will receive our Terms of Business setting out the agreed scope of support.
Our process
How our SEND Tribunal hearing support works
1.
Get in touch
Tell us your hearing date and provide some information about the appeal. We will discuss the support you need, confirm our availability and explain what can be provided before, during and after the hearing.
2.
We review your case
We review the Tribunal bundle, Working Document, professional evidence, Tribunal orders and any other documents relevant to the hearing. This allows us to understand the history of the appeal, the issues that remain in dispute and the evidence relied upon by each party.
3.
We prepare for the hearing
We identify the main legal and evidential points that need to be addressed. Where included within the service, we can also assist with opening and closing submissions that reflect the evidence and the outcomes being sought for your child or young person. All our work is underpinned in SEND law.
4.
We represent you throughout the hearing
We attend the hearing virtually to advocate for you, presenting your position, responding to the Local Authority, questioning witnesses and addressing points raised by the Tribunal. We also support you during breaks so you understand what has happened and what needs to be addressed when the hearing resumes.
5.
We debrief with you afterwards
After the hearing, we discuss the key points that arose, answer your immediate questions and explain what is likely to happen next. Where the Tribunal reserves its decision, we can also explain what to expect while you wait for the written decision.
Is this the right support for you?
This service is for families who have a confirmed Tribunal hearing date and would like an experienced parental advocate alongside them.
We review the case beforehand, represent and support you throughout the hearing, and help ensure that the key evidence, legal issues and outcomes being sought are put before the Tribunal.
This service is most helpful when…
You have a confirmed Tribunal hearing date and need to begin preparing for the hearing
You want a professional and experienced advocate who understands SEND law and familiar with the details of your case
You are concerned about attending without representation and support, particularly where the Local Authority will be supported by experienced officers, solicitors or barristers
You would like a professional experienced advocate alongside you to present your position, respond to the Local Authority’s case and question witnesses
You need help preparing structured opening and closing submissions that reflect the evidence, the issues in dispute and the outcomes being sought for your child or young person
This may not be the right fit if…
You have not yet received a Tribunal hearing date, in which case our Tribunal Support service may be more appropriate
You require formal legal representation from a solicitor or barrister
Your hearing has already taken place and you need support with the Tribunal’s decision or the implementation of its order, in which case our Post-Tribunal Support service may be more appropriate
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 Tribunal hearing 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.
SEND GUIDANCE
Helpful guidance for families navigating SEND
Explore related support
Other ways we can help
Working Document Support
Detailed preparation and management of the working document throughout the appeal process.
Refusal to Issue Appeals
Support when mediation relates to a decision not to issue an EHCP after assessment.
Pre-Action Protocol Letters
Formal legal correspondence if the Local Authority fails to comply with the Tribunal order after the hearing.
Here when you’re ready
Your hearing is approaching. We can support you on the day.
We can explain the support provided before, during and after the hearing, including case preparation, advocacy throughout the hearing, support during breaks and a post-hearing debrief.
Our focus is on ensuring that your case is properly prepared and that the key evidence, legal issues and outcomes being sought are clearly put before the Tribunal.