Know Your Rights

Your legal rights at each stage of the EHCP process, with specific references to the SEND Code of Practice 2015 and Children and Families Act 2014.

This is general legal information, not legal advice. For specific advice about your situation, contact IPSEA or your local SEND IASS.
Initial Concerns Request Assessment Assessment Decision Assessment Underway Draft EHCP Final EHCP Annual Review Appeal Refused Assessment Mediation Assessment Refused EHCP Mediation EHCP Appeal Content Mediation Content Appeal Review Mediation Review

mediation content

You are pursuing mediation to resolve your concerns about the content of the EHCP.

Right to mediation on EHCP content

You can request mediation to discuss changes to Sections B, F, and I of the EHCP.

What you can do

Contact the mediation adviser and arrange a session.

Mediation is free

Mediation is provided free of charge and conducted by an independent mediator.

What you can do

Contact the mediation service - there is no cost.

Right to appeal after mediation

If mediation does not resolve the dispute, you retain the full right to appeal to the tribunal.

What you can do

Register your tribunal appeal using the mediation certificate.

Cross-cutting rights

Some rights apply across the whole EHCP journey, not just at one stage.

Key Legislation

Children and Families Act 2014

The primary legislation establishing the EHCP system, rights to assessment, and the SEND Tribunal.

Read on legislation.gov.uk →

SEND Code of Practice 2015

Statutory guidance that LAs, schools, and health bodies must follow when supporting children with SEN.

Read on gov.uk →