EHCP Refused?
Here's Exactly What To Do Next
A practical step-by-step guide to challenging an EHCP assessment refusal.
🟠 Step 1: Understand the Refusal Letter
The Local Authority must explain why the assessment was refused, what evidence was used and your appeal rights.
📊 Did You Know?
A large majority of SEND Tribunal appeals are decided in favour of families when they reach a full hearing.
of SEND Tribunal appeals succeed when heard.
Many refusals are overturned because parents are able to provide evidence showing that their child's needs require further assessment or support.
⚠️ Common Mistakes Parents Make
Many families have strong cases but unintentionally weaken their appeal by making avoidable mistakes.
- Missing appeal deadlines and losing valuable time.
- Relying on phone calls only instead of keeping written evidence and emails.
- Submitting very little evidence and expecting the tribunal to gather information for them.
- Focusing solely on diagnosis rather than explaining unmet educational needs.
- Accepting the refusal as final without exploring appeal options.
- Not requesting records from school or professionals that could support the case.
- Waiting too long to seek advice from SEND support services.
Remember: the tribunal wants evidence of your child's needs and how those needs affect their education. A diagnosis can help, but it is not always required.
🧡 Don't Give Up
An EHCP refusal is not the end of the process. Many families successfully challenge refusals every year and secure the support their child needs.
Know Your Rights • Gather Evidence • Meet Deadlines • Keep Going
EHCP Refused?
Here's Exactly What To Do Next
A practical step-by-step guide to challenging an EHCP assessment refusal.
🟠 Step 1: Understand the Refusal Letter
The Local Authority must explain why the assessment was refused, what evidence was used and your appeal rights.
📊 Did You Know?
A large majority of SEND Tribunal appeals are decided in favour of families when they reach a full hearing.
of SEND Tribunal appeals succeed when heard.
Many refusals are overturned because parents are able to provide evidence showing that their child's needs require further assessment or support.
⚠️ Common Mistakes Parents Make
Many families have strong cases but unintentionally weaken their appeal by making avoidable mistakes.
- Missing appeal deadlines and losing valuable time.
- Relying on phone calls only instead of keeping written evidence and emails.
- Submitting very little evidence and expecting the tribunal to gather information for them.
- Focusing solely on diagnosis rather than explaining unmet educational needs.
- Accepting the refusal as final without exploring appeal options.
- Not requesting records from school or professionals that could support the case.
- Waiting too long to seek advice from SEND support services.
Remember: the tribunal wants evidence of your child's needs and how those needs affect their education. A diagnosis can help, but it is not always required.
🧡 Don't Give Up
An EHCP refusal is not the end of the process. Many families successfully challenge refusals every year and secure the support their child needs.
Know Your Rights • Gather Evidence • Meet Deadlines • Keep Going
EHCP REFUSED?HERE'S EXACTLY WHAT TO DO NEXT