Families need to be aware that the SEND Tribunal has quietly launched a new “One Touch” Case Management Pilot” and it only applies to Section I appeals (placement disputes) registered on or after 17 August 2026. This changes the process in ways that will affect planning, evidence, and timelines.
Evidencing EOTAS in a Working Document
When a parent is seeking EOTAS, the tribunal is not interested in opinions, preferences or “EOTAS would be nice”.
It is interested in evidence of need, evidence of why school cannot meet those needs, and evidence of what provision is required instead. The Working Document is where this becomes visible. Every line must link via need to provision to evidence
Consultations During Tribunals – What Parents NEED to know!
When a case goes to tribunal, one of the most confusing and anxiety provoking parts for parents is the Local Authority’s consultation process with schools. It often feels opaque, rushed, or strategically timed, and families are left wondering what is happening behind the scenes. In reality, the consultation process is one of the most important pieces of evidence the tribunal will look at, because it shows whether the LA has genuinely explored suitable placements or simply gone through the motions.
