SEND tribunal

Updated information and guidance for the extended powers SEND Tribunal: extended appeals registered from the 1 September 2021

Ministerial decision on the outcome of the national trial

On 20 July 2021, the Department for Education (DfE) confirmed the extended powers given to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Tribunal to hear appeals and make non-binding recommendations about health and social care aspects of Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans, provided those appeals also included education elements, will continue.

The decision was taken following the conclusion of the independent evaluation of the national trial. The independent evaluation considered the impact of the trial on value for money on the public purse, the experiences and outcomes of families, and impacts on Local Authorities (LAs) and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). The evaluation has been published in full: Extended powers SEND tribunal: national trial - GOV.UK.

Guidance on the current extended powers and duties that will continue, is available to view: The Special Educational Needs and Disability (First-tier Tribunal Recommendations Power) Regulations 2017.

This gives families a 'one stop shop' (or single route of redress) where they can seek redress for concerns in an EHC Plan.

What is the outcome of the national trial? SHOW


What does this mean for parents and young people? SHOW


When can a parent or young person request recommendations about the health and social care elements of an EHC plan? SHOW


What does this mean for local areas? SHOW


How can a parent or young person request a health or social care recommendation? SHOW


As a parent or young person, do I have to consider mediation? SHOW