York SEND Advocacy

10/03/2026

Appealing an EHCP Decision? Your Grounds for Appeal Matter

If you’re submitting an appeal to the SEND Tribunal, one of the most important documents you’ll prepare is your Grounds for Appeal.

This is where you clearly explain why the Local Authority’s decision is wrong or why the EHCP needs to be changed.

While the SEND35 form does ask for your reasons for the appeal, it’s often helpful to submit a separate Grounds for Appeal document so you can explain your case properly.

A strong Grounds for Appeal should:

✔ Clearly explain the decision you are challenging
✔ Reference key evidence (reports, assessments, professional advice)
✔ Be structured with clear headings and bullet points
✔ Focus on legal issues, such as unmet needs or missing provision

What to avoid:

❌ Writing long background histories that aren’t directly relevant
❌ Focusing on personal disagreements with schools or individuals
❌ Submitting lots of outdated evidence that doesn’t support your case

The SEND Tribunal makes decisions based on evidence, so presenting your arguments clearly and referencing the right information can make a significant difference.

At York SEND Advocacy, we support families across York and Yorkshire with:

📄 Drafting Grounds for Appeal
📂 Organising evidence for SEND Tribunal cases
⚖️ Preparing appeals relating to EHCP assessments, plans and provision

If you’re considering an appeal or need help preparing your case, we offer a free 15-minute consultation to talk through your situation and discuss the next steps.

👉 Drop us a message to arrange a call.

07/03/2026

So close! 499...

😀 I've just spotted we now have 496 followers! UNBELIEVABLE! Who's going to share this post and help us get to 500 before the weekend? Go on...

07/03/2026

“The Local Authority said no… what can we do now?”

This is one of the most common questions we hear from parents.

If the Local Authority refuses to assess your child, refuses to issue an EHCP, or the plan does not properly describe your child’s needs or support, you have the right to challenge that decision.

Many families are told things like:

❌ “There’s nothing more that can be done.”
❌ “You have to accept the school they’ve named.”
❌ “Appealing will take years.”

When in reality, parents and young people have a legal right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal, an independent panel that can order Local Authorities to:

✔ Carry out an assessment
✔ Issue an EHCP
✔ Change the provision in a plan
✔ Name a different school

At York SEND Advocacy, we work with families across York and Yorkshire to help them:

📄 Understand EHCP decisions
📂 Organise evidence and paperwork
✍️ Prepare written submissions
⚖️ Navigate the SEND Tribunal process

The SEND system can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.

If you’re unsure about a recent EHCP decision or thinking about an appeal, we offer a free 15-minute consultation to talk through your situation and help you understand the next steps.

You can also drop us a message to arrange a call and get started.

Sometimes a conversation is the first step toward getting the right support for your child.