Last updated:
28th March 2024
If you disagree with an EHCP decision
Find out what to do if you disagree with an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment or EHC plan (EHCP) decision. Including mediation and appeals.
If you do not agree with our decision about an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment or EHC plan (EHCP), the first step is to speak to your child or young person’s SEND Senior Case Officer to discuss your concerns.
You can also contact SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) for advice on what to do.
Get advice from SENDIASS
SENDIASS offers impartial advice and support to parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and young people with SEND. They can:
- help resolve disagreements
- support you in meetings with professionals
- explain how mediation works
- explain your right of appeal through the tribunal system
SENDIASS offers drop-in sessions every month. They are free and confidential. You do not need an appointment. Find out when the next drop-in sessions are on the SENDIASS website.
Get in touch with SENDIASS
Phone: 0118 908 8233
Email: sendiass@wokingham.gov.uk
Disagreement resolution service
If you are unable to resolve issues through discussions with the relevant people who support your child or you, as the young person, disagreement resolution services are available.
Disagreement resolution is for parents of all children and young people with SEND, not just those being assessed or who have an EHCP.
As a parent of a child or young person with SEND, you can ask for disagreement resolution at any time.
We use Global Mediation to provide disagreement resolution services. Find out more about the service and how it can help you on the Global Mediation website.
Mediation service
Mediation can help you sort out disagreements relating to decisions about EHC needs assessments and plans without having to appeal.
It is informal and free and can help you or your child work through disagreements with us and reach an agreement that works for everyone.
You can ask for mediation if we decide:
- not to carry out an EHC needs assessment or reassessment
- not to issue an EHCP after making an assessment or reassessment
- to stop maintaining an EHCP
- not to amend an EHCP relating to education (sections B, F and I) following an annual review
We use Global Mediation to provide mediation services. Find out more on the Global Mediation website.
Appeal to the SEND Tribunal
If you do have mediation, and you're still not happy, you have the right to appeal.
Get more information and advice
You can get independent help and advice from the following organisations.
Cambian Group provides specialist children's education and behavioural health services.
Network 81 is a charity that supports, advises and trains parents and carers about the education of children with SEND.
Independent Parental Special Education Advice (IPSEA) is a charity that provides free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND.
Coram Children's Legal Centre provides education law services and specialises in SEND appeals and tribunals.
Coram Child Law Advice provides legal advice and information on family, child and education law.
Guidance for young people aged 16 to 25 with SEND
If you are unhappy with the SEND support at school or college, guidance is available on how to resolve SEND disagreements.
Read SEND complaints: guide for young people aged 16 to 25 in education on GOV.UK.
