Do I need a solicitor for SEND Tribunal?

Legal representation is not mandatory at SEND Tribunal. Many families attend without a solicitor, as the Tribunal is designed to be accessible to parents. What is important is structured SEND and EHCP experience aligned with statutory duties under the Children and Families Act 2014.

Can you attend the tribunal hearing with me?

We provide structured advocacy and preparation support. Attendance at the hearing depends on case complexity and availability. Our primary focus is ensuring you are fully prepared and confident in presenting your case.

What if I am appealing Sections B and F?

Appeals relating to Sections B and F focus on whether needs are accurately identified and whether provision is specific and enforceable. Under Section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014, local authorities must secure the provision specified in Section F.

How long does tribunal preparation take?

Preparation timescales depend on hearing dates and tribunal directions. Early instruction allows for detailed evidence review and structured appeal preparation.

What if I am already mid-appeal?

We can step in at various stages of the appeal process to review documentation, identify evidential gaps and strengthen written submissions before hearing.

Appeal Preparation & Submission Support

Structured EHCP Appeal Support (SEND35 & SEND35a)

When a Local Authority refuses to assess, refuses to issue, or issues an EHCP that doesn’t reflect your child’s needs - you have the right to challenge it.

But appeals are procedural.
Deadlines are strict.

And the paperwork must be precise.

This stage isn’t about emotion.

It’s about structure.

Get your EHCP appeal submission started

Understanding the EHCP Appeal Preparation And Submission

Appeals are governed by strict legal rules and Tribunal directions. Missing deadlines or drafting loosely can weaken an otherwise strong case.

What Is an EHCP Appeal?

An EHCP appeal is made to the SEND Tribunal.

Common appeal types include:

Refusal to assess (SEND35a)
Refusal to issue an EHCP (SEND35)
Refusal to maintain or cease an EHCP
Disagreement with Section B (needs)
Disagreement with Section F (provision)
Disagreement with Section I (placement)

In most cases, mediation must be considered before an appeal can be lodged.

Once registered, the Tribunal sets a timetable with strict compliance dates for:

Local Authority response
Final evidence submission
Case Review Form
Bundle production
Final hearing

Most appeals take approximately 20–30 weeks from registration to hearing.

Many resolve earlier when evidence is properly structured.

What This Stage Often Gets Wrong

Appeals frequently fail not because the child lacks need - but because the case is poorly structured.

Common issues include:

Grounds of appeal drafted too broadly
Provision not quantified
Evidence submitted without analysis
Working document not used strategically
Deadlines missed
Emotional argument replacing functional evidence

The Tribunal does not decide on frustration.

It decides on law, structure and clarity.

What Strong Appeals Include

A strong appeal includes:

Clearly drafted grounds referencing statutory duties
Precise amendments to Sections B, F and/or I
Evidence that is cross-referenced and functional
A structured working document
Strategic use of Tribunal deadlines
Clear linkage between need and provision

The goal is not to escalate conflict.

It is to present a legally grounded challenge to the decision made.

How Little Nellies Supports You at This Stage

Our Appeal Preparation & Submission Support includes:

Reviewing the Local Authority decision letter
Confirming mediation requirements or exemption
Completing and submitting the SEND35 or SEND35a form on your behalf
Drafting structured grounds of appeal
Submitting supporting documentation
Tracking Tribunal directions and deadlines
Reviewing the Local Authority response
Building and managing the working document
Drafting enforceable amendments to Sections B, F and I
Preparing the Case Review Form
Ensuring compliance before the bundle deadline

You are not left to manage the process alone.

Support is fixed-fee and stage-specific.

For complex cases requiring deeper evidence restructuring, this service can be combined with our

→ One-Stop Evidence Pack

We work with families across England

What Happens Next?

Once the appeal is registered:

The Local Authority must submit its response.

Tribunal deadlines are issued.
Evidence is exchanged.

The working document process begins.

Many cases resolve during this stage when provision is clarified and properly specified.

If the matter proceeds to final hearing, you may choose to represent yourself - or you can instruct us to formally represent you at tribunal.

You can read more about our full hearing representation service here:

→ Tribunal Representation Support

Preparation protects your case.

Representation protects your position.

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, yes — unless you obtain a mediation exemption certificate. We advise immediately based on your decision letter.
SEND35a is typically used for refusal to assess. SEND35 is used for refusal to issue, refusal to maintain, or disputes about EHCP content. We complete and submit the correct form for you.
Most appeals take around 20–30 weeks from registration to final hearing. Some resolve earlier if the Local Authority concedes after reviewing structured evidence.
Yes. Formal representation (including SEND7 submission and correspondence handling) can be added if required.