If you disagree with something in your child’s EHCP or EHC plan (also known as an Education, Health and Care Plan), you can appeal to get it changed.
Appeals go through an independent SEND tribunal. But you may not need to take your concerns to court, if you can come to an agreement with the local authority.
Changing your child’s EHC plan may feel daunting, especially if you have had a long wait to get it in the first place. You can get support with the process if you need it.
You must usually consider mediation before going to a SEND tribunal. Mediation can help you and the local authority find a solution without starting a legal process.
If you decide to appeal, you will need to complete a SEND35 form. The government has some information about the appeal process.
It can be helpful to have some support when challenging an EHC plan.
You may want to seek advice from the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS). Try an online search with the name of your local area and ‘SENDIASS’ to find one near you.
Charity KIDS has more information on mediation. It offers a free mediation service for families with children with SEND aged 0 to 25.
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This advice was written by our experienced Parent Talk coaches. Parent Talk is a free online service for parents and carers, provided by the charity Action for Children. For more advice, message our parenting coaches with our online chat.
