Appeal – A legal way for a parent or young person to challenge a Local Authority decision about special educational needs and ask an independent tribunal to decide what is best for the child or young person.
Local Authority (LA) – Your local council. It is responsible for decisions about EHC needs assessments, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and educational provision. In Lincolnshire it would be Lincolnshire County Council.
Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) – A legal document that describes a child or young person’s special educational needs, the help they must receive, and the school or setting they attend.
EHC Needs Assessment – An assessment carried out by the Local Authority to decide whether a child or young person needs an EHCP.
Refusal to Assess – When the Local Authority decides not to carry out an EHC needs assessment. This decision can be appealed.
Refusal to Issue an EHCP – When the Local Authority decides not to issue an EHCP after an assessment. This can be appealed.
Mediation – A meeting with an independent mediator where parents and the Local Authority try to resolve disagreements before going to tribunal.
Mediation Certificate – A document proving mediation has been considered. It is usually needed before an appeal can go to tribunal.
First‑tier SEND Tribunal – An independent court that decides SEND appeals and makes decisions about EHCPs and placements.
Registration – When the tribunal officially accepts the appeal and sends out deadlines and a hearing date.
Registration Letter – A letter from the tribunal confirming the appeal is registered, including key dates, deadlines, and evidence requirements.
Evidence – Documents or information that support your appeal, such as reports, letters, or school records.
Working Document – A shared document used in EHCP content appeals to show what wording is agreed and what is still in dispute.
Consent Order – A legally binding order from the tribunal confirming an agreement, often after JADR or when the LA concedes.
Judicial Alternative Dispute Resolution (JADR) – An optional tribunal process where a judge helps parents and the Local Authority try to agree on school placement without a full hearing.
Telephone Case Management Hearing (TCMH) – A short phone or online hearing where a judge resolves practical issues to make sure the case is ready for a full hearing.
Hearing – The formal tribunal meeting where evidence is discussed and a decision is made.
Tribunal Order – The written decision sent after the hearing that explains what the Local Authority must do and by when.
Local Authority Concedes – When the Local Authority agrees with all or part of the appeal before the hearing. The appeal only ends once a consent order is issued.
Tribunal Panel - The people who decide your appeal. The panel is made up of a judge and one or two other members who understand education, health, or social care. They listen to everyone and decide what should happen for your child.
Tribunal Judge - The judge is the person in charge on the day. They run the hearing, explain what will happen, ask questions, and make sure everyone is treated fairly. The judge helps decide the final outcome of your case.