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  • making-a-complaint-or-challenging-a-decision
  1. Get information and support
  2. Free legal guides, resources and template letters
  3. Making a complaint or challenging a decision

Making a complaint or challenging a decision

Children and young people with SEN and disabilities seem to have more than their fair share of problems arising in relation to their education and training.

Sometimes such problems can be resolved by discussion and informal forms of dispute resolution. However, sometimes problems do not go away and parents of children with SEN and young people may need to take further action.

The steps to take depend who you need to make a complaint about: 

Making a complaint about a nursery, school or college

Making a complaint about a nursery, school or college

Information and guidance on complaining about a nursery, school or college Read more

Published: 14th April, 2018

Updated: 29th July, 2022

Author: Emma Brock

Making a complaint about a local authority

Making a complaint about a local authority

Information and guidance on complaining about a local authority Read more

Published: 13th April, 2018

Updated: 3rd November, 2023

Author: Emma Brock

Making a complaint about an EHC plan

Making a complaint about an EHC plan

Information and guidance on complaining about an EHC plan Read more

Published: 11th April, 2018

Updated: 1st May, 2018

Author: Emma Brock

Disability discrimination

Disability discrimination

If someone is treated unfairly because of their disability, this may be disability discrimination Read more

Published: 9th April, 2018

Updated: 14th March, 2023

Author: Emma Brock

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Latest

  • SEND law- a practical guide for colleges: 28th Feb

    SEND law- a practical guide for colleges: 28th Feb

    This one day training is designed specifically for college staff, providing an overview of the special educational needs and disability (SEND) legal framework, as well as other related areas of the law

  • EHC plan masterclass - Obtaining a plan: 19th March

    EHC plan masterclass - Obtaining a plan: 19th March

    A training day for parents, carers and supporting family members of children with SEND, developed to guide families through the process of obtaining an Education, Health and Care plan

  • SEND law and young people (post-16): 25th April

    SEND law and young people (post-16): 25th April

    A one-day training session designed specifically for parents, carers and supporting family members of children who are approaching or above compulsory school age

  • Complaining when the local authority fails to comply with the statutory deadlines for action following the conclusion of mediation: Model letter 23

    Complaining when the local authority fails to comply with the statutory deadlines for action following the conclusion of mediation: Model letter 23

    Use this letter to complain when the local authority fails to comply with the statutory deadlines for action following the conclusion of mediation

Most read

  • Asking for an EHC needs assessment

    Asking for an EHC needs assessment

  • EHC needs assessments

    EHC needs assessments

    An EHC needs assessment is an assessment of a child or young person’s education, health and care needs

  • Making a request for an EHC needs assessment: Model letter 1

    Making a request for an EHC needs assessment: Model letter 1

  • Model letters

    Model letters

    Download and make changes to our model letters to fit your situation

  • Advice Line

    Advice Line

    Book an appointment for free and independent legal information, advice and support on any educational issue that is a result of a child or young person’s SEND

  • What happens in an EHC needs assessment

    What happens in an EHC needs assessment

  • Choosing a school/college with an EHC plan

    Choosing a school/college with an EHC plan

  • The annual review process

    The annual review process

  • Contact us

    Contact us

  • Appealing to the SEND Tribunal

    Appealing to the SEND Tribunal

    The SEND Tribunal is an independent national tribunal which hears parents’ and young people’s appeals against LA decisions about the special educational needs of children and young people

How you can help IPSEA

How you can help IPSEA

Have you found the information on our website helpful today? If so, please consider donating! At IPSEA, we rely on your donations and fundraising efforts to help keep our vital services running. Read more

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Published: 19th March, 2014

Updated: 28th November, 2022

Author:

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IPSEA is registered charity number 327691
Limited company 2198066

Registered office: IPSEA, 2A Stansted Courtyard, Parsonage Road, Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford, CM22 6PU

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