EHCP Appeal Consultancy England
Help appealing an EHCP decision to the SEND tribunal.
If the local authority has refused to assess, refused to issue a plan, or issued one you disagree with, you have the right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability). We help families build the strongest possible case.
Grounds for appeal
What you can appeal and when.
Refusal to carry out an EHC needs assessment (Section B)
The local authority decided not to assess. This is one of the most commonly overturned decisions. You have 2 months from the decision to appeal.
Refusal to issue an EHCP following assessment (Section C)
The assessment was carried out but the local authority decided not to issue a plan. This can be appealed.
Description of SEN (Section B)
You disagree with how your child's special educational needs are described in the plan. The description must be accurate and specific.
Special educational provision (Section F)
You disagree with the provision specified to meet your child's needs. Provision must be specific, quantified, and named.
School or institution named (Section I)
You disagree with the school named in the plan, or no school has been named. This is one of the most common appeal grounds.
Health care provision (Section G)
You disagree with the health care provision specified. This is appealable if it relates to your child's education.
Social care provision (Section H1)
You disagree with the social care provision specified for children under 18. This is appealable if it relates to education.
Health and social care provision (Section H2)
You disagree with the provision specified for young people over 18. This is appealable if it relates to education.
Refusal to amend after a review
Following an annual review, the local authority decided not to amend the plan. You can appeal this decision.
Decision to cease to maintain the EHCP
The local authority has decided to stop maintaining the plan. This can be appealed.
Important: Deadlines for SEND tribunal appeals are strict. If you have received a decision you disagree with, contact us as soon as possible.
The reality of SEND Tribunals
Local authorities operate a "no by default" policy. The numbers prove it.
96%
of SEND Tribunal appeals are resolved in the family's favour, either at hearing or through concession before the hearing.
20wks
is the statutory maximum for issuing a final EHCP. The majority of local authorities breach this deadline routinely.
£0
is the Tribunal registration fee. The barrier to appeal is preparation, not cost. We help families prepare properly.
A 96% success rate does not mean the system works. It means local authorities routinely make decisions that cannot withstand legal scrutiny, relying on families giving up. A well-prepared appeal changes that calculation entirely.
How we help
Preparing a strong EHCP appeal step by step.
Understand your grounds
We identify which sections of the decision you can appeal and the strength of each ground.
Register the appeal
We guide you through registering with the SEND tribunal within the legal deadline (usually 2 months).
Prepare your case
We help gather and organise evidence, identify expert reports that would strengthen your position, and prepare your working document.
Mediation (where required)
For most appeals you must consider mediation first. We explain when this is required and what to expect.
Tribunal preparation
We help you prepare a clear, well-evidenced case including your written evidence and, where relevant, witness support.
Common questions
EHCP appeals frequently asked questions.
How long do I have to appeal?
For most decisions, you have 2 months from the date of the local authority's decision letter. Missing this deadline is serious contact us as soon as possible.
Do I need a lawyer?
No. Many families represent themselves at SEND tribunal successfully with the right preparation and support. We help families build strong cases without legal costs.
What is mediation?
Before appealing on most grounds, you must first contact a mediation adviser (though you don't have to participate in mediation itself). We explain exactly what you need to do.
How long does a SEND tribunal take?
Most appeals take 4-6 months from registration to hearing, though this varies. We help you use that time well.
Can I appeal the school named in the plan?
Yes. Disagreement with the school named in Section I is one of the most common appeal grounds. We help you make the case for the right placement.
What if I win?
The tribunal's decision is legally binding on the local authority. We help you understand the order and what the local authority is required to do.
You have the right to challenge decisions that fall short of what your child needs.
EHCP appeal consultancy for families across England. Act early deadlines matter.
Speak to a Consultant