Adam Dance MP seeks guarantees over parents' SEND appeal rights

Adam Dance MP is seeking assurances that parents will not lose important rights to challenge SEND decisions under the Government's proposed reforms to the special educational needs system.

The call comes as Ministry of Justice figures show that nearly 99% of SEND Tribunal appeals in 2023/24 were decided wholly or partly in favour of parents and young people, highlighting the vital role tribunals play in helping families secure support for their children.

Adam has written to Ministers through a Parliamentary Written Question seeking clarity on how the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Tribunal will be reformed as part of wider changes to the SEND system.

Adam Dance MP said:

"Too many families already face an exhausting battle to secure the support their child needs.

"When almost 99% of tribunal cases are decided in favour of families, it raises serious questions about how decisions are being made in the first place.

"Parents need confidence that they will continue to have clear and effective routes to challenge decisions when they believe their child is not receiving the support they need."

In response to Adam's question, Education Minister Georgia Gould confirmed that the Government is considering responses to its SEND reform consultation and that the SEND Tribunal will remain in place as an important legal safeguard.

Under the proposals, parents and young people would continue to be able to appeal decisions relating to assessments, eligibility for support, support packages, school placements and decisions to end Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.

Adam, who has consistently campaigned for improved support for children with SEND, including children with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties, welcomed the confirmation but said families still need greater clarity.

He added:

"The SEND system is not working as it should for too many families. Reform is needed, but it must strengthen support for children and young people rather than create new barriers for parents.

"Families deserve certainty about how these changes will work in practice and what protections will remain in place.

"I will continue pressing Ministers to ensure that parents' voices are heard and that children's needs remain at the heart of any reforms."

The Department for Education's consultation, SEND reform: putting children and young people first, closed earlier this year. Ministers are currently reviewing responses before publishing further details of their plans.