Appealing a SEND decision and mediation

If you feel unheard about your child’s special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) or want support from an independent person, you can:  

  • get impartial and confidential advice and support
  • ask for independent disagreement resolution or mediation 

You may disagree with us about:  

  • our decision not to carry out an Education, Health and Care needs assessment
  • our decision not to draft an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
  • the provision outlined in the EHCP or any changes made to it
  • our decision not to change an EHCP after a review
  • the school named in the EHCP
  • our decision to stop maintaining an EHCP

Contact SENDIASS for advice or support about the Education, Health and Care assessment process or a SEND decision.

Request mediation to resolve the disagreement

If you still disagree with the decision, you can contact Collis Mediation by:

Mediation does not affect your right to appeal to the Tribunal. 

How to appeal

You must contact the mediation service before appealing a decision. 

If you’ve tried to resolve your concerns but still disagree with a SEND decision, you can:  

  • appeal against a decision with the First Tier Tribunal
  • make a complaint about the process  

Before you appeal, read our guidance on the mediation and appeal process:

Watch our video to learn about our EHCP process from requesting an EHCP to how decisions are made and how to appeal.

Read our SEND complaints guide for young people:

Appeal a decision