CDC report: SEND tribunal waits longer than ever

The Council for Disabled Children has highlighted that families now wait, on average, around a year for an appeal to be heard at the First-tier (SEND) Tribunal. Despite this, the success rate for parents who reach a hearing remains around 98%.

## What the figures show - SEND Tribunal receipts are at record levels. - Average waits from registration to hearing have stretched well past 12 months in many regions. - The overwhelming majority of decisions go in the family's favour, suggesting many appeals could have been resolved locally. ## Practical steps for parents - Don't miss the **two-month deadline** to appeal after a refusal or final EHCP. - Mediation is **not** compulsory but a Mediation Certificate is required before appeal (you can decline mediation and still get the certificate). - Keep all evidence in one place: the Bright Steps EHCP Folder is built exactly for this. - Free legal-style help is available from IPSEA, SOS!SEN and SENDIASS. **Source:** Council for Disabled Children briefings; Ministry of Justice SEND Tribunal statistics.

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