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The SEND35 form: a section-by-section guide
The SEND35 is the form you use to appeal to the SEND Tribunal about a council's decision on an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. This guide walks through every section and explains how to send it online, by email or by post.
Based on version 02 of the form (February 2026). HM Courts & Tribunals Service updates it from time to time, so always check the current form on GOV.UK.
Is SEND35 the right form?
- Use SEND35 if the council refused to issue a plan after assessing your child, refused to reassess, issued or amended a plan you disagree with (Sections B, F or I), or decided to stop the plan.
- Use SEND35A if the council refused to carry out an EHC needs assessment in the first place.
- There's a different process if your child is in custody.
Before you start
- Check your deadline. The tribunal must receive your appeal within two months of the date on the council's decision letter, or one month from the date of your mediation certificate, whichever is later. Try our deadline checker.
- Get your mediation certificate. Contact the mediation service named in the council's letter. You can choose mediation or just ask for a certificate. You don't need one if you're only appealing Section I.
- Gather what you'll attach: the full decision letter, your mediation certificate, and for plan appeals the final EHC plan with all its appendices.
- Collect contact details for everyone involved: other parents or carers, your representative, and the council.
The form, section by section
Section 1: Child or young person's information
Name, date of birth, address and any other names they're known by. Use the details shown on the EHC plan or decision letter.
Answer this in the wizardSection 2: Details of the person appealing
Your name, contact details and relationship to the child. If your child is over compulsory school age, they may be the appellant instead.
Answer this in the wizardSection 3: Another parent or carer
Details of another parent or carer who may also want to be involved in the appeal.
Answer this in the wizardSection 4: Representative
Only if someone (for example an adviser or solicitor) is representing you. Many parents leave this blank and represent themselves.
Answer this in the wizardSection 5: Advocate
For young people who have an advocate or 'alternative person' acting for them.
Answer this in the wizardSection 6: Communication during the appeal
How the tribunal should contact you and whether you need anything to communicate, such as an interpreter or large print.
Answer this in the wizardSection 7: Anyone else with parental responsibility
Others who hold parental responsibility. For adoptive families this is usually just the adoptive parents. Special guardians should list anyone who shares parental responsibility.
Answer this in the wizardSection 8: Type of appeal
Tick what you're appealing: refusal to issue a plan, refusal to reassess, Sections B, F and/or I of the plan, or a decision to cease the plan.
Answer this in the wizardSection 9: School, college or education provider
The current setting and, if you're appealing Section I, the school or setting you want named.
Answer this in the wizardSection 10: Reasons for appeal
The heart of the form. For each part you disagree with, say what's wrong and what you want instead. Short, numbered points linked to evidence work best.
Answer this in the wizardSection 11: Health and social care (optional)
You can ask the tribunal to make recommendations about health (Sections C and G) and social care (Sections D and H). Tick this if those parts matter to you.
Answer this in the wizardSection 12: Mediation certificate
Your certificate number and date. You don't need one if you're only appealing Section I (the school or setting).
Answer this in the wizardSection 13: Appealing on time
Confirm you're within the time limit, or explain why you're late if you are. The tribunal can sometimes accept late appeals, but don't rely on it.
Answer this in the wizardSection 14: Other SEND appeals
Any other appeal about this child, now or in the past.
Answer this in the wizardSection 15: Other court or tribunal case
Any other case involving the child that the tribunal should know about.
Answer this in the wizardSection 16: Hearing preferences
Whether you'd like a video or in-person hearing, and dates you can't attend.
Answer this in the wizardSection 17: Support during your case
Any access needs or reasonable adjustments you, your child or witnesses need.
Answer this in the wizardAfter the sections, you'll sign a declaration that the information is true and list your supporting documents.
Writing strong reasons (Section 10)
- Quote the council's wording and explain, in your own words, why you disagree.
- Link each point to evidence such as professional reports, school records and your own observations.
- For Section F, ask for provision that is specific and quantified: who provides it, what it is, how often and for how long.
- For Section I, explain why the school you want is suitable and why the named one isn't.
- You can add more detail and evidence later, when the tribunal tells you to.
Our free SEND35 wizard asks the same questions in plain English, can suggest a first draft of your reasons in your own words, and gives you a PDF of your answers to copy into the form.
How to submit your appeal
Online (usually quickest)
- Go to the official online service: Appeal a decision about an EHC plan.
- Work through the questions. They match the sections above, so you can copy in your prepared answers.
- Upload the decision letter, mediation certificate and, for plan appeals, the full EHC plan.
- Check everything, submit, and keep the confirmation.
You can't use the online service if the council hasn't carried out an EHC assessment, or if your child is in custody. In those cases, use email or post.
By email or post
Download the SEND35 (or SEND35A) PDF from GOV.UK, fill it in, and send it with your documents to the address given on the form. The tribunal's email is send@justice.gov.uk.
Getting help with the form
- SEND Tribunal (help with the form or the online service, not legal advice): send@justice.gov.uk, 0300 303 5857, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
- We Are Group (free help if you're not confident online): support@wearegroup.com, 03300 160 051, or text FORM to 60777.
- IPSEA and your local SENDIASS for free, independent advice on your case.
What happens next
GOV.UK says the tribunal will review your appeal and respond within 25 working days. They'll tell you whether there will be a hearing, give details of it, and set deadlines for sending more evidence. The council will also be sent your appeal and asked to respond. See our SEND Tribunal guide for the rest of the process.
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