EHCP Tribunal Support & Representation

The SEND Tribunal decides whether the authority has complied with its duties under:

• The Children and Families Act 2014

• The SEND Regulations 2014

• The SEND Code of Practice

 

It considers disputes relating to:

• Refusal to assess

• Refusal to issue

• Sections B (needs), F (provision) and I (placement)

• Ceasing to maintain an EHCP

 

Tribunal is not about frustration.

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It is about statutory duties, evidence and clarity.

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How your case is presented matters.

Option 1: Tribunal Support (You Lead the Case)

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For families who intend to speak at the hearing themselves but want structured professional support alongside them.

You:

• Remain the primary speaker

• Answer questions from the panel

• Present your case

 

We provide:

• Final review of your appeal bundle

• Refinement of key arguments

• Structured preparation session

• Clarification of legal tests

• Hearing-day support (notes, guidance, focus)

• Help keeping submissions aligned to statutory duties

 

This is structured support - not formal representation.

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👉 Choose Tribunal Support

 

Option 2: Tribunal Representation (We Act on Your Behalf)

For families who want formal advocacy at the hearing.

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We:

• Present the case to the Tribunal

• Address the panel directly

• Question the Local Authority’s evidence

• Respond to legal arguments

• Make submissions on statutory compliance

 

You remain the appellant.

We lead the legal and procedural presentation.

 

Typically appropriate where:

• The case is complex

• Independent expert evidence is involved

• Legal arguments are detailed

• The stakes are high

• You feel overwhelmed

 

Representation carries a different level of responsibility and preparation.

 

👉 Choose Tribunal Representation

Whether you choose support or representation, strong preparation includes:

• Clear alignment of evidence to statutory duties

• Precise identification of unmet needs

• Specific, quantified provision requests

• Structured explanation of disputed Sections B, F or I

• Clear linkage between professional evidence and requested amendments

• Understanding how the panel evaluates evidence

 

Tribunal panels look for coherence.

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They ask:

• Has the legal test been met?

• Is provision specific and enforceable?

• Does the evidence justify the request?

 

Preparation connects those dots.

Tribunal outcomes are determined by evidence - not assertion.

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Panels examine whether the legal test is met and whether provision is justified by documented need.

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For tribunal-stage cases, we require a structured evidence base before providing support or representation.

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This is typically achieved through our:

→ One-Stop Evidence Pack

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The Evidence Pack organises professional reports, educational data, therapy recommendations and statutory duties into a coherent, tribunal-ready structure.

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Without that foundation, even strong cases can appear fragmented.

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With it, arguments become aligned, focused and persuasive.

Families typically contact us at tribunal stage when:

• Section B under-identifies needs

• Section F lacks specificity

• Therapy is described but not guaranteed

• Placement suitability is disputed

• The Local Authority relies solely on internal advice

• Independent reports have been dismissed

 

At this stage, clarity is everything.

Tribunal is not about escalation.

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It is about presenting a structured, evidence-led case grounded in statute.

 

At this stage, our role is to ensure:

• Evidence is aligned to legal tests

• Provision requests are specific and enforceable

• Arguments are calm, clear and focused

• The panel can follow the reasoning from need to outcome

 

We do not rely on emotion.

 

We rely on statutory duties, structured preparation and precise presentation.

 

Whether you choose structured support or formal representation, our focus remains the same:

Clarity. Compliance. Coherence.

SEND Tribunal decisions are binding.

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There is no rehearsal.

This stage is not about escalation.

It is about precision, preparation and statutory alignment.

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If your appeal is proceeding to hearing, how you present your case matters.

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Whether you want structured support beside you or formal representation on your behalf, the focus must remain the same:

Clear evidence.
Specific provision.

Calm presentation.