SEND Resources

 

The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) appeals process can be daunting for those involved. Releasing Potential Mediation offers a range of additional SEND resources to help parties in a dispute to stay informed about appealing against a decision made by the Local Authority.

 

Documents you’ll need for Dispute Resolution and Mediation

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Agreement to Dispute Resolution & Mediation

The Agreement is signed by all parties involved in Dispute Resolution & Mediation. It is the basic framework outlining the expectations of participants in the process. 

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Simplified Agreement

A simplified version of the Agreement to Dispute Resolution & Mediation is available here.While this will not be the legal document signed prior to mediation, it can help parties to better understand what they are being asked to sign.

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Appeals Flowchart

Our handy appeals flowchart gives an overview of the SEND appeals process from the point of contact with Releasing Potential Mediation.

The diagram shows the possible outcomes of a mediation request and/or a mediation meeting.

Handy Documents about SEND Law & Processes

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SEND Code of Practice (2015)

The SEND code of practice outlines the statutory obligations of local councils and the legislation for SEND appeals. It is a comprehensive document that details the legal framework for the process of applying for an EHCP from start to finish.

 

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Children & Families Act (2014)

The Children & Families Act is the legislation around which SEND services in the UK have been developed. The Act sets out the obligations that agencies, including local councils, have to provide education, care and support to all children and families. 

 

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SEND36

The SEND 36 form gives information about the current First Tier SEND National Trial.

This is a national trial giving the SEND tribunal the power to make Health & Social Care recommendations in relation to a child or young person’s Educational Health Care Plan.

Application Forms for Tribunal

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SEND 35

A SEND 35 form can be completed by a parent, carer or young person. It should be used to appeal a decision about a young person’s EHCP taken by the Local Authority. If you are appealing a Local Authority’s refusal to assess for an EHCP, you will need to use a SEND 35A form instead.
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SEND 35A

A SEND35A form is an appeal form.

It must be completed by a parent, carer or young person appealing to the tribunal against a refusal to assess for an EHCP (for a child of or under statutory school age).

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SEND 4A

A SEND 4A form can be used if a parent or carer is claiming that a Local Authority has discriminated against a child or young person in a decision about an Education health Care Plan (EHCP) on the basis of a child or young person’s disability.
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SEND 4B

A SEND 4B form can be used if a young person is claiming that a Local Authority has discriminated against them in a decision about an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) on the basis of their disability.
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SEND 8

A SEND 8 form is used to withdraw from a tribunal once an application has been submitted.

The person appealing should only use this if they are satisfied that their dispute has been settled.

 

Support for Parents

We know that navigating the appeal system can be difficult and confusing for parents.

Support can be found through your county’s Local Offer, or through a range of national organisations and charities.

DirectGov Tribunals Information (Nationwide)

SENDIASS (Hampshire)

Amaze (West Sussex)

Independent Parental Special Education Advice (IPSEA)

Address

Releasing Potential Mediation
7 Kingscroft Court
Ridgway
Havant
Hampshire
PO9 1LS
 
Charity No: 1097440
Company No: 4622100

Telephone

07764 326384 (Mediation Helpline)

Email

mediation@releasingpotential.com

Useful Links:

Releasing Potential

Releasing Potential School

Releasing Potential Institute

Releasing Potential Forest Explorers

Releasing Potential Enterprises

Releasing Potential Outdoor Education