SEND Tribunals

SEND Tribunals can be daunting. The evidence provided by a Headteacher is important and may be closely examined by the Tribunal Judge and panel.

This practical resource is designed to support Headteachers and senior leaders to prepare clear, professional and evidence-based SEND Tribunal statements – particularly those facing the process for the first time.

Rather than simply stating “we can meet need” or “we cannot meet need”, the framework helps leaders demonstrate how they have reached their professional view by linking:

NEED → PROVISION → HOW IT WILL BE DELIVERED → EXPECTED IMPACT

The pack includes:

• Step-by-step guidance for preparing a Headteacher statement
• Fully adaptable Headteacher statement template
• Evidence checklist
• Guidance on writing factually and objectively
• SEND and EHCP prompts
• Curriculum and learning considerations
• Communication, sensory and physical needs
• Behaviour, regulation and emotional needs
• Staffing and training considerations
• Therapy and multi-agency provision
• Environment and facilities
• Peer group and class composition
• Health and personal care
• Preparation for adulthood
• Transition planning
• Pupil and parent/carer voice
• Example professional wording throughout
• Example Headteacher statement
• Three adaptable conclusions: can meet need, could meet with additional provision, or cannot currently meet need
• Questions a Headteacher may be asked at Tribunal
• Final Headteacher assurance checklist

The resource also helps leaders prepare for the questions they may face, including how provision would actually be delivered, staffing requirements, reasonable adjustments, additional funding, curriculum adaptation, transition and the evidence underpinning their professional judgement.

Ideal for Headteachers, Executive Headteachers, SENCOs, senior leaders and those aspiring to Headship.

Tribunals are difficult, and preparation matters. This resource won’t tell you what your professional judgement should be. It gives you a structured framework to help you explain that judgement clearly, confidently and with evidence.

A practical resource to help you feel prepared when the questions really matter.

This resource provides practical guidance and a drafting framework and should always be used alongside the individual pupil’s EHCP, current professional evidence, applicable legislation and Tribunal requirements.