EHCP appeals support
The decision is not the end of the conversation.
If the local authority has refused an assessment, issued a plan that does not meet your child’s needs, or named a setting that is not right, you may be able to appeal. I can help you understand the decision, organise the evidence and work out your next step.
You can ask me to help with one part of an appeal or to support you through more of the journey.
Ask Louise about an appealTell me the date on the decision letter or final plan when you enquire.
Start with the decision
What are you disagreeing with?
You do not need to know the right form or section number before getting in touch. We can start with the decision you have received and the outcome your child or young person needs.
“They refused to assess.”
We can look at the needs, support already tried and why an EHC needs assessment may be necessary.
“The EHCP is not right.”
We can compare the plan with reports and where to get more evidence. We will focus on the description of needs and the support specified to meet them.
“The placement will not work.”
We can look at what your child needs, which setting is proposed, your preferred option and the relevant evidence relevant you need.
Appeal deadlines can be short, and the rules on mediation advice depend on what you are appealing. Keep the decision letter and check the date and appeal information on it promptly. If time is tight, say so in your enquiry.
A person beside you
You can keep control and still ask for help.
“I know this is wrong, but how do I show it?”
Appeals involve forms, reports, deadlines and decisions about what you are actually asking the Tribunal to change. I help families break that into manageable pieces. We will identify the issue, what evidence supports it and what still needs to be found.
I can prepare the appeal form, review a working document, help with evidence and written responses, and/or support you at a hearing. Each piece of work is agreed and priced before I start.
Make the evidence work for you
Who can help show what your child needs?
It is easy to collect a large stack of papers. The useful question is what each document shows about your child’s needs, the support they require and whether the proposed plan or placement can provide it.
- Your child or young person: their views, experiences and what happens day to day.
- You and those who know them: specific examples of what works, what does not and the impact.
- School or college: attendance, support plans, provision records, progress and meeting notes where relevant.
- Professionals: educational psychology, speech and language, occupational therapy, health or other relevant assessments.
“What need does this identify, and what provision does it say is required?”
One step at a time
What the support can look like.
You may only need one of these steps. I will tell you what I think is useful for your situation and where you can do something yourself.
Understand the decision
Check what can be challenged, the date, the paperwork and any mediation advice requirement.
Set out the appeal
Complete the appropriate form, such as SEND35 or SEND35a and attach relevant evidence.
Build the case
Link the changes you want to reports, gather further evidence, use the local authority’s reponse to counter their position.
Prepare for the hearing
Agree the key issues, organise what you want to say and, if booked, have me alongside you.
Flexible support, agreed costs
Choose the help that is useful.
Parents can complete an appeal themselves. If you would like me to take on a task, I will set out the scope and cost before beginning. Work is quoted and paid for as agreed pieces, so you know what you are committing to.
Tell me about your appealBrief initial enquiry: free.
One-hour consultation: £66.
SEND35 or SEND35a appeal form: £240 to prepare and complete with you.
Other appeal work: £66 per hour, with the scope and expected cost agreed beforehand.
Hearing support: a £150 non-refundable deposit reserves your hearing date and my availability to support you through the appeal. Any additional work is charged hourly and agreed with you before it begins.
Common questions
A few things worth knowing.
Do I have to use an advocate to appeal?
No. Many parents and young people bring their own appeals. You can ask me to help with a form, a particular issue or a consultation without handing over the whole process.
Do I have to attend mediation first?
It depends on what you are appealing. In many cases you need a mediation certificate, but you do not have to take part in mediation itself. An appeal only about the school or other institution named in the plan is treated differently. Check your decision letter and the official guidance for your situation.
What if I do not have all the evidence yet?
Start by checking the deadline and identifying the decision you disagree with. We can look at what you already have, what is missing and what might be useful to request. Do not assume you need every report in place before asking about the appeal.
Can you guarantee the outcome?
No. The Tribunal decides the appeal. I can help you present the issues and supporting evidence clearly, and be honest about gaps or risks I see.
Official guidance: Appeal an EHC plan decision , mediation advice before appealing , and SEND Tribunal forms .
Tell me what decision you have received.
A short message, the date on the letter and what worries you most are enough to begin. We can work out the next useful step together.
Contact Louise