For parents & carers in England
Understand your council's decision. Prepare your own SEND appeal with confidence.
Refused an EHC needs assessment, or handed a vague draft plan? Our self-help tools explain the statutory timescales, highlight wording you may want to challenge, and help you draft your own documents — completely free.
Self-help information only — not legal advice. Not affiliated with HMCTS or any council.
- ✓ 100% free
- ✓ Nothing you type is saved
- ✓ Written for families in England
- ✓ Based on the SEND Code of Practice
Where are you now?
Pick the stage that fits and we'll take you to the right guide.
Asking for an assessment
Your child needs more help than school can give.
Request an EHC needs assessment →Refused, or given a vague plan
The council said no, or the plan's support is unclear.
How to appeal →Annual review coming up
Get ready to change what isn't working.
Annual review guide →Appealing to the tribunal
Fill in the SEND35 and prepare for the hearing.
SEND Tribunal guide →Child out of school
Exclusions, part-time timetables or sent home early.
Exclusions guide →Adoptive or kinship family
Adoption Support Fund, Pupil Premium Plus and trauma needs.
Adoption toolkit →Deadline checker
See the Week 6, 16 and 20 timescales and your appeal window. Free, no sign-up.
Letter & draft plan review
Paste a refusal letter or Section F wording and see points you may wish to question.
Guided drafting
Answer plain-English questions and get a structured first draft in your own words.
Adoptive & kinship track
Prompts for developmental trauma, attachment, FASD and sensory needs.
Everything here is free
No paywall, no trial. Download what you need — we keep nothing.
Ask the helper
Ask anything about EHCPs, deadlines or appeals in your own words. It answers in plain English and points you to the right guide or letter on this site. Free account, takes 30 seconds, and nothing you type is kept.
Ask a questionFind your council
How to challenge EHCP decisions in your area, with local SENDIASS and parent carer forum links.
Why parents use it
Government tribunal statistics show most SEND appeals that reach a decision are found at least partly in the family's favour. But the process is unfamiliar, the deadlines are short, and paid advocacy can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds.
SEND Compass helps you organise your facts and put your case clearly. You stay in control: every document is your own, and you decide what to send.
What we are — and aren't
- ✓ Plain-English explanations of the published SEND rules
- ✓ Structured first drafts you can edit
- ✗ Not solicitors and not legal advice
- ✗ We don't contact the council or tribunal for you
- ✗ We can't promise any outcome
For free expert help, contact IPSEA or your local SENDIASS.