SEN advocacy service
SEND Tribunal Preparation
SEND Tribunal preparation helps parents understand the appeal issue, organise evidence, meet directions and present a clear case about assessment, EHCP contents or placement.
- Price
- Tribunal preparation packages available from £1,400
- Best for
- Parents who have received an appealable local authority decision and need structured case preparation.
- Format
- Evidence review, issue planning and preparation for tribunal directions or hearing.
Overview
What this support covers
A SEND Tribunal appeal is a formal legal process, but parents do not have to approach it alone. The strongest appeals are built around clear issues, relevant evidence and careful compliance with tribunal directions. It is not enough to explain that a decision feels unfair; the case needs to show why the local authority decision is wrong under the applicable legal test.
Appeals can involve refusal to assess, refusal to issue an EHCP, the description of needs, the special educational provision, health or social care recommendations in extended appeals, or the school or placement named in section I. Each appeal type needs a different evidence strategy.
The SEN Advocate helps parents prepare tribunal cases in a calm, structured way: identify the issues, organise the bundle, understand the evidence gaps and prepare for negotiation, mediation or hearing.
Who this is for
- You have received a refusal to assess or refusal to issue an EHCP.
- The final EHCP does not describe needs or provision accurately.
- You disagree with the school or type of placement named.
- You have tribunal directions and are unsure what to file.
- You need help turning evidence into a clear appeal position.
Common problems
- The appeal includes too many issues and the strongest points get lost.
- Evidence is relevant but not organised around the tribunal questions.
- Parents miss deadlines for working documents, evidence or attendance forms.
- The local authority makes late concessions and parents are unsure what to accept.
- The bundle does not clearly show the child needs and required provision.
How we help
- Clarify the appeal type and key issues.
- Review the evidence and identify gaps.
- Help organise the case around the tribunal questions.
- Support preparation for directions, working documents and negotiation.
- Explain practical hearing preparation and likely next steps.
Process
How the support works
Step 1
Appeal issue review
We identify what decision is being challenged and which legal issues need evidence.
Step 2
Evidence mapping
We map reports, school information and parent evidence against each appeal issue.
Step 3
Preparation plan
We help prioritise documents, deadlines, working document points and negotiation strategy.
Step 4
Hearing readiness
We explain what to expect, what questions may matter and how to keep the case focused.
Included
What you can expect
- Review of tribunal decision and appeal documents.
- Evidence gap analysis.
- Support with case issues and working document points.
- Guidance on tribunal directions and deadlines.
- Preparation for negotiation or hearing.
Recommended package
PlatinumSEND Tribunal Preparation
End-to-end preparation of your case for a SEND Tribunal appeal (excluding hearing representation).
- Package price
- £1,400
Included in this package
Paperwork review
Comprehensive review of all documentation, reports, and correspondence relevant to the appeal to build the strongest possible case.
Appeal Form completion
We complete the appeal form accurately and in full to formally initiate the tribunal process.
Evidence bundle management
We organise and manage the full evidence bundle, ensuring all required documents are included, indexed, and correctly formatted.
Communication with LA
We handle all ongoing correspondence with the Local Authority throughout the tribunal preparation period.
Written case review summary
A detailed written summary of your case, setting out key arguments and evidence clearly for the tribunal panel.
Deadline management
We track and meet all tribunal deadlines to ensure your case proceeds without procedural issues or penalties. (Note: tribunal hearing attendance is for support only, not legal representation.)
FAQs
Questions about SEND Tribunal Preparation
Do I need a solicitor for SEND Tribunal?
No. Many parents represent themselves. An advocate can still help by preparing evidence, clarifying issues and supporting the case strategy before the hearing.
What decisions can be appealed?
Common appeals include refusal to assess, refusal to issue an EHCP, the contents of sections B and F, and the school or placement named in section I.
Can tribunal preparation help if mediation is still ongoing?
Yes. Preparation can help parents understand the issues and evidence before mediation, while still protecting appeal deadlines.
How early should I ask for tribunal support?
As early as possible after receiving the decision letter. Early preparation gives more time to identify evidence gaps and meet tribunal directions.