What Should Parents Expect on the Day of a SEND Tribunal Hearing?

The day of a SEND Tribunal hearing can feel daunting, especially if you have never attended a Tribunal before.

Knowing what to expect and having everything organised beforehand can help make the day more manageable.

In a recent video on our Education Law TikTok channel, Beverley Watkins, Managing Partner at Watkins Solicitors, explains some practical things parents should prepare for.

Check your hearing arrangements carefully

The Tribunal will tell you whether your hearing is taking place by video or in person and what time you need to attend.

Most SEND hearings are currently held remotely by video, although the Tribunal can arrange an in-person hearing where appropriate.

Do not rely on a standard start time. Follow the instructions provided specifically for your hearing.

If your hearing is remote, allow plenty of time beforehand to:

• Log In Using The Link Provided.
• Check Your Camera And Microphone.
• Make Sure Your Internet Connection Is Working.
• Have The Tribunal’s Contact Details Available In Case Of A Technical Problem.

Have your Tribunal bundle ready

You should receive the bundle of documents that will be used at the hearing before the hearing date.

For a remote hearing, it is helpful to think practically about how you will use it.

If possible, you may want one device for the video hearing and another screen or device for viewing the electronic bundle.

Some people find a paper copy easier to navigate. If you would prefer one, raise this well in advance and check what arrangements can be made.

The important thing is being able to find documents quickly when the Judge or another Tribunal member refers to them.

Make sure your witnesses are prepared

Your witnesses should know:

• The Date And Time Of The Hearing.
• How They Will Join.
• Which Issues Their Evidence Relates To.
• How To Access Any Documents They May Need.
• That They May Be Asked Questions By The Tribunal And The Parties.

Keep their contact details available in case there is a delay or the Tribunal needs them at a different point during the day.

Who will be at the hearing?

A SEND Tribunal hearing will usually include a Judge and one or two specialist Tribunal members.

There may also be:

• The Parent Or Young Person.
• A Legal Representative Or Supporter.
• A Representative Of The Local Authority.
• Witnesses And Expert Witnesses.
• A Tribunal Clerk.

The panel considers the evidence and asks questions about the issues it needs to decide. Parents can also present their case and ask questions.

What happens during the hearing?

The Judge will normally explain how the hearing will proceed.

The discussion will then focus on the issues that remain unresolved.

Depending on the appeal, this might include:

• The Child Or Young Person’s Special Educational Needs In Section B.
• The Provision Required In Section F.
• The School Or College Named In Section I.
• Whether An EHCP Is Required.
• Whether An Existing EHCP Should Continue.

Witnesses may be brought into the discussion when the Tribunal reaches the subject relevant to their evidence.

There will usually be breaks during a longer hearing, and you can ask for a break if you need one.

Be available for the day

A hearing may finish earlier than expected, but families should not arrange their day on the assumption that it will.

If the Tribunal has listed the appeal for a full day, make appropriate arrangements for childcare, work or other caring responsibilities.

It is better to have allowed too much time than to find yourself under pressure because the hearing continues later than expected.

How can Watkins Solicitors help?

A SEND Tribunal hearing is often the culmination of months of correspondence, evidence gathering and negotiation.

Our specialist, multi-award-winning Education Law team can support families throughout the process, from lodging an appeal and reviewing professional evidence through to preparing the bundle, witnesses and advocacy at the hearing.

Our Education team was named Team of the Year at the Bristol Law Society Awards 2025, with Watkins Solicitors also named Regional Law Firm of the Year.

If you are approaching a hearing, we can help you understand what the Tribunal will need to decide and make sure you are properly prepared for the day.

Watch the video and get support

The full video, featuring Beverley Watkins answering this question, is available on our Education Law TikTok channel.

If you need advice or representation for an upcoming SEND Tribunal hearing, contact our Education Law team on 0117 939 0350 or email education@watkinssolicitors.co.uk.