Growing up · England
If you disagree about education support
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This guide is about education support in England.
You can ask for help if you disagree with a decision.
Keep the council's letter.
Keep a copy of your education plan.
Explain what you disagree with.
Say what you want to change.
Ask your local SEND advice service for help.
Ask for information you can understand.
Some decisions can be appealed to the SEND Tribunal.
An appeal asks the Tribunal to consider the decision.
You usually need to speak to a mediation adviser before appealing.
There are exceptions.
Ask an adviser which rule applies to you.
Appeal deadlines can be short.
Usually, the deadline is 2 months from the date on the council's decision letter.
A mediation certificate may give you longer.
Ask someone to check your deadline now.
Missing support or delays may need a complaint.
A complaint does not replace an appeal.
Ask what form and evidence you need.
Keep a copy of everything you send.
What you can do next
Ask for help to choose the right route.
Check the deadline before waiting for another reply.
Read the official EHC appeal guide Web pageThis link opens another website.
It may use harder words.
More useful links
- EHC appeals and help Web page
Includes links to information, advice and support services.
- Complaints about SEND provision Web page
What the Ombudsman can and cannot investigate.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Disagreeing about SEND support or an EHC plan
Understand complaints, mediation and appeals about education support in England.
Children, young people and families · England · Deadlines apply
Identify the problem
Keep the decision letter, EHC plan, relevant reports and a short account of what needs to change. A disagreement about a council decision can follow a different route from missing support or delays. Ask your local SEND information, advice and support service, often called SENDIASS, to help identify the route. Ask for accessible explanations and support for the young person.
Decisions you can appeal
The SEND Tribunal can consider certain council decisions, including refusing an EHC assessment, refusing a plan, parts of a plan's educational content or ending a plan. Not every education complaint is an appeal. The official guide explains who can appeal and the arrangements for children and young people. Ask for advice where someone needs support to exercise their rights.
Mediation advice and the exception
For most EHC appeals, contact a mediation adviser and obtain the required certificate. You do not have to take part in mediation after receiving the advice. The requirement does not apply if the appeal concerns only the school or institution named, its type, or the fact that none is named in Section I. Check the exception before deciding a certificate is unnecessary.
Protect the appeal deadline
Usually, the Tribunal must receive the appeal within two months of the date on the council's decision letter, or one month from the mediation certificate, whichever is later. Do not assume complaints or negotiations extend this deadline. Check the exact date and required documents promptly. If late, get urgent advice about requesting an extension; acceptance is not guaranteed.
Health, care and missing provision
Alongside an eligible education appeal, you may ask the Tribunal to make recommendations about health or social care in the EHC plan. These recommendations are not legally binding in the same way as education orders. For delays or failure to deliver specified provision, complain to the council; the Ombudsman may help after its complaints process. Its jurisdiction is restricted where Tribunal appeal rights apply.
Keep participation practical
Explain the outcome you want and link evidence to the disputed issue. Ask for communication support, accessible documents and suitable hearing arrangements. Keep copies and confirmation of submission. Meeting notes and planning worksheets can help organise your thoughts, but are not the appeal form.
Words you could use
“Please explain which route applies to this decision, the deadline, and what support I can get to take part.”
More useful links
- EHC appeals and help Web page
Includes links to information, advice and support services.
- Complaints about SEND provision Web page
What the Ombudsman can and cannot investigate.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Where the information comes from
Links checked 27 October 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- GOV.UK: EHC appeal overview Web page
Appealable decisions and sources of help.
- GOV.UK: before an EHC appeal Web page
Mediation advice and the Section I-only exception.
- GOV.UK: appealing as a young person Web page
Eligibility and the usual appeal deadline.
- Children and Families Act 2014 PDF
Section 55: precise mediation-certificate exceptions.
- Department for Education: extended SEND appeals Web page
Non-binding health and social care recommendations alongside education appeals.
- Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman: SEND complaints Web page
Delays, missing provision and limits where appeal rights apply.