EHCP Help / Advice & next steps
EHCP appeal and SEND Tribunal: practical next steps
You do not have to understand the whole appeal or tribunal process before asking for help. Start with the decision and the next date.
Quick answer
If you are considering an EHCP appeal, start with the decision letter. Identify exactly which decision or part of the plan you disagree with, what change you are seeking and the deadline shown in the letter. Tribunal routes and timescales depend on the decision, so seek free impartial information early.
What this means
SEND Tribunal appeals can concern different local-authority decisions, including a refusal to assess, a refusal to issue an EHC plan, the contents of a final plan, amendments to a plan or a decision to cease a plan. Do not treat these as one identical problem: the decision letter tells you which route applies. Create a working file with the decision letter, current EHCP if there is one, evidence, school records and a short statement of the outcome you want. Organise evidence around the disputed issue—needs, outcomes, provision or placement—rather than sending a general history without a clear link to the decision. Mediation information and time limits are important. Check the letter, GOV.UK guidance and SENDIASS for current requirements. This article is general information and cannot advise you what to argue in an individual appeal.
Build a dated evidence file containing the plan, school records, relevant professional advice, correspondence and a short chronology. For each disputed point, explain what the existing wording or decision says, why you disagree and which evidence supports the change requested.
The decision letter and GOV.UK tribunal guidance are authoritative starting points. SENDIASS and IPSEA can explain free routes and preparation; legal or specialist help is optional but may be worth considering if the issues are complex. Do not rely on a general web summary for a case-specific deadline.
What to do next
Keep every decision letter.
Check dates as early as possible.
Write down the exact points you disagree with.
Organise reports and correspondence in date order.
Seek independent advice about the available routes.
Things to check
What decision are you challenging?
Does the letter explain your appeal rights?
Is there a mediation or appeal deadline?
Is your evidence current and relevant?
Can you clearly describe the outcome you are seeking?
Questions to ask
What support or decision is currently in place?
What evidence has been considered or may still be missing?
What is the next action, who is responsible and when should it happen?
Local Northamptonshire route
Families in Northamptonshire can check the relevant local authority SEND route for West Northamptonshire or North Northamptonshire. Local SENDIASS services can offer free, impartial information and support.
Free support and useful links
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about special educational needs, EHC plans and support.
External free resource
IPSEA
Free SEND law information and resources for parents and carers.
External free resource
Council for Disabled Children
National resources and information about SEND support and policy.
Professional help is available if you need it
Many families use free information and school support first. Professional help is optional and may be useful if evidence is complicated, communication has stalled or you want help understanding your choices.
What happens next?
Your next step depends on the decision or stage you are at. Keep records, confirm actions in writing and use free advice before deciding whether additional support would help.
Support that may help
SEND advocate · Independent SEND adviser · Educational psychologist · SEND legal adviser, where appropriate
Related guidance
SEND Lantern provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.
Independent guidance for families
SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by SEND Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.