What do I do when…
The council said no to an assessment or a plan
A refusal is not the end. Many parents appeal, and many appeals succeed. The deadlines matter, so start now.
Your rights
- You can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
- Before appealing you usually need to contact a mediation adviser and get a certificate. You don’t have to go to mediation.
- The deadline is 2 months from the decision letter, or 1 month from the mediation certificate, whichever is later.
What to do
- Write down the date on the decision letter. Your deadline is counted from it.
- Contact the mediation adviser named in the letter and ask for a certificate.
- Get advice from IPSEA, SOSSEN or SENDIASS.
- Register your appeal with the SEND Tribunal, and keep a note of the date.
- Keep gathering evidence. New reports can be added to the appeal.
How Aro helps
Aro works out your appeal deadline from the letter date and keeps your evidence in one clear timeline.
Who can help
- NationalIPSEAFree, independent legal advice on SEND law, EHCPs and tribunal appeals, with model letters.
- NationalSOSSENFree legal advice on special educational needs, including EHCPs and appeals.
- HertfordshireHerts SENDIASSFree, impartial advice on SEND, EHCPs and disagreements with school or the council.01992 555 847 · info@hertssendiass.org.uk
- NationalContactNational charity for families with disabled children. Advice on benefits, education and more.0808 808 3555
Official guidance
This guide is general information about the law in England, written by a parent. It isn’t legal advice, and every situation is different. For advice about your child, contact SENDIASS or IPSEA. Last checked October 2026.