EHCP Appeal Support
Help appealing an EHCP decision to the SEND tribunal.
We identify the evidence that matters, close the gaps and build a clear, precise case around the decision you are challenging.
99%
of SEN appeals decided by the Tribunal in 2024/25 were decided in favour of the appellant
"In favour" means the appellant succeeded on the majority of the appeal and does not necessarily mean success on every appealed issue. Source: HMCTS, Tribunal Statistics Quarterly: July to September 2025, Annual SEND Statistics for the 2024/25 academic year.
Appeal deadline
Normally two months from the decision letter
Normally two months from the decision letter, or one month from the mediation certificate, whichever is later.
Evidence wins appeals.
Tribunals do not guess. They decide on the evidence in front of them.
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. We help families build the strongest possible case across every council in England.
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.
Check your appeal deadline before anything else.
The Tribunal must normally receive an appeal within two months of the date on the local authority’s decision letter, or within one month of the date on the mediation certificate, whichever is later. If an appeal is late, the parent or young person must explain the delay and why the appeal should be allowed to proceed. A Tribunal judge will decide whether the late appeal can be accepted.
If you think you may need to appeal, do not wait to seek support. The earlier you start, the stronger your case will be.
How we help
We help you prepare 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 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.
Select a question to see the facts.
For most decisions, you have 2 months from the date of the local authority's decision letter, or 1 month from the date of the mediation certificate, whichever date gives you more time. Missing this deadline is serious. Contact us as soon as possible.
No. Many families represent themselves at SEND tribunal successfully with the right preparation and support. We build strong cases without legal costs.
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.
Most appeals take 10-12 months from registration to hearing, though this varies. We help you use that time well.
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.
The tribunal's decision is legally binding on the local authority. We make sure you understand the order and what the local authority is required to do.
Tribunal & Appeal Preparation
£1,295 fixed fee + VAT
The strongest possible appeal case, prepared with precision. Includes grounds of appeal, evidence analysis, hearing preparation, and ongoing support through to hearing.
You have the right to challenge decisions that fall short of what your child needs.
We help you shape the evidence into a precise, well-organised appeal.
Related EHCP services
If this page matches your situation, these services may help.