Witnesses

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Witnesses are people who know your child well and can give helpful information about their needs — for example:

  • a teacher or SENCO
  • a therapist (SALT, OT, EP)
  • a paediatrician or other professional
  • someone who sees your child regularly and understands their day to day needs

A witness will attend the hearing with you, to provide verbal evidence on the day and to answer any questions the judge has.

What happens, step-by-step 

  1. you decide who might be a useful witness
    • think about who truly understands your child’s needs and can explain them clearly
  2. you ask witnesses to provide a written witness statement
  3. you list witnesses on the case review form (SEND35)
    • This tells the tribunal who you want to give evidence
  4. you may request a witness summons (SEND30)
    • only if someone essential is refusing to attend
  5. you submit all witness statements and child’s views by the evidence deadline
    • Usually 10 working days before the hearing

What you need to do

  • think carefully about who knows your child well
  • ask them to write a short, factual witness statement
  • add all witness names to the SEND35 case review form
  • use SEND30 if someone essential refuses to attend
  • submit all statements before the deadline

Who is responsible?

  • you: choose witnesses, gather statements, support your child to share their views
  • tribunal: decides who can give evidence

Documents to keep safe

  • witness statements
  • completed SEND35 and SEND30 forms
  • emails or letters about witnesses
  • consent forms (if using photo or video evidence)

FAQs

What if I don’t have any witnesses? That’s fine — not all cases need witnesses. The tribunal will use your written evidence.
Can my child speak at the hearing? Yes, if appropriate — or they can share their views in other ways.
How many witnesses can I have? You can usually bring up to three witnesses 
What if someone refuses to be a witness? Use the SEND30 form to request a summons. 
What if I miss a deadline? Let the tribunal know immediately.

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