EHCP appeal: what did we achieve?
- secured 52‑week specialist residential placement in Yorkshire
- Integrated education, healthcare, and therapy provision
- safeguarded welfare of a young adult with complex needs
- relieved significant family caring pressures
- placement valued at approximately £500,000 per year
For context
Tees Law successfully represented the family of a young adult with severe disabilities, autism, and treatment‑resistant epilepsy in a complex EHCP tribunal appeal. The Local Authority had proposed a day placement that was not capable of meeting the individual’s extensive medical, educational, and care needs.
In practical terms, the proposed provision left the young person at risk. Their frequent seizures required constant monitoring, while their autism significantly affected communication, independence, and access to learning. A day school placement failed to provide the specialist care and structured environment required for safety and development.
What is an EHCP tribunal appeal?
Should a Local Authority decide not to asses a child or young person, or should they choose not to issue an EHCP, parents and/or the young person may appeal to The First Tier Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SEND Tribunal). To find out more about the steps you need to take during an EHCP Tribunal, visit our dedicated web page.
Creating a robust case
Tees’ education law specialists built a robust legal case, combining medical evidence, expert assessments, and detailed family input. The team demonstrated that the individual required a fully coordinated package spanning education, health, and social care—something only a residential setting could deliver.
A key part of the strategy involved identifying a suitable out‑of‑county residential placement that could provide:
- on‑site medical support
- specialist teaching tailored to complex needs
- Integrated therapies and care provision
The impact of winning the appeal
Following the appeal, the Tribunal ruled in favour of the family. Tees secured a 52‑week residential placement, ensuring consistent support across all aspects of the young person’s life.
The impact was life‑changing. The young person now benefits from a safe, structured environment that supports their development, while their family has been relieved of the intense and unsustainable level of care previously required.
Giving you the full picture
If you feel that you or someone you know requires advice, please contact our education law team for clear, practical advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
