The free, independent support genuinely available to parents bringing a SEND Tribunal appeal without legal representation.
Most parents bringing a SEND Tribunal appeal don't have a solicitor representing them at the hearing, and there's genuine free support available, independent of both the local authority and the Tribunal itself.
Every local authority area has a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service, SENDIASS. It's free, confidential, and although locally funded, operates independently of the local authority's own SEND team. It can help you understand the process, your rights, and the paperwork involved.
The Independent Provider of Special Education Advice, IPSEA, is a national charity offering free legal advice specifically on SEND law, along with template letters and detailed guidance on the process, including appeals.
Yes. You can bring a supporter to a hearing, and in some circumstances someone can help present your case. This is separate from formal legal representation and doesn't require any legal qualification.
Where you're financially eligible, Legal Help can fund a solicitor to help prepare your case and evidence, though it doesn't usually extend to representing you at the hearing itself, covered in more detail in our article on legal aid.
Knowing what support already exists, and what it actually covers, before you decide how to approach your appeal makes a real difference. SEND Assistant is built to work alongside these services, not replace them, helping you understand your own case day to day. Try SEND Assistant free.
Is SENDIASS the same organisation as the local authority's SEND team?
No, it's funded locally but operates independently, and its role is to support families, not represent the local authority's position.
Does IPSEA represent me at the hearing?
Generally no, IPSEA's role is advice and information, including template letters and guidance, rather than acting as your representative at a hearing.
Can a friend or family member speak for me at the hearing?
In some circumstances someone can support or speak on your behalf, though the specifics depend on the type of hearing and should be raised with the Tribunal in advance.
Do these services cost anything?
No, SENDIASS and IPSEA are both free services.
Should I use more than one of these at once?
Many parents do, for example using SENDIASS for local process support and IPSEA for legal guidance on the substance of an appeal, alongside checking legal aid eligibility.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Access to Justice is not a law firm and cannot represent you.