with SEN Parent Support Group

From SEND35 to Bundle Compliance (2025 Update)

The journey to securing appropriate educational provision for your child can often lead to the SENDIST Tribunal. With recent changes to bundle limits introduced in July 2025, it’s more important than ever that parents are fully equipped. This guide walks you through the step-by-step Tribunal process from initiating your appeal to the final hearing, whilst spotlighting must-know updates and strategic tips to boost your preparation. The process can be daunting but we will try to keep it simple, starting with submitting your appeal.

Step 1: Submit the SEND35 Form

The SEND35 is your formal appeal document. You’ll need it when challenging decisions about:

• Refusal to assess or issue an EHCP
• Sections B, F, and I of an issued EHCP
• Cease to maintain a plan

Key points:

• Submission methods: Online via GOV.UK SEND35 portal or by post
• Timeframe: Within 2 months of the LA decision letter or 1 month after a mediation certificate
• Appeals must be grounded in evidence. Attach reports and letters as supporting documents.

🔗 Tip: Want your EHCP checked before appealing? Explore our Draft Review Service for legal gap analysis and SMART provision alignment. We also have a “dummy SEND35 form completed so you can keep it crystal clear and to the point. Check it out in our closed group here

Step 2: Secure a Mediation Certificate

Before your appeal is accepted, you’ll need to:

• Contact an approved mediation advisor
• Obtain a certificate even if you don’t participate in mediation
  (Unless you’re appealing only Section I—placement)

Keep this certificate ready to upload with your SEND35. Make sure you have your Final EHCP and your accompanying decision letter saved digitally to upload upon registering your appeal.

Step 3: Tribunal Registration & Key Directions

Once accepted, the Tribunal issues:

• Case number
• Hearing date
• Evidence deadlines
• Directions to produce:
  • Working Document (Your Final EHCP Labelled Working Document)
  • Bundle Index (see regulation updates below)

Working Documents must be updated collaboratively with the LA and submitted as per the tribunal ordered timetable

Step 4: Complying with Bundle Regulations (2025 Update)

As of 15 July 2025, the SEND Tribunal revised its bundle submission rules.

What’s New:

What counts towards the bundle?

• Your SEND35 form
• Mediation certificate
• All supporting evidence
• Communications, reports, parental representations

Don’t risk delay: Files must be accessible, named properly, and comply with page limits.

Step 5: Prepare for the Hearing

Expect a remote video hearing unless physical attendance is granted by request. Your role:

• Clarify what’s contested in Sections B, F, and I
• Refer to Working Document and bundle during presentation
• Stick to statutory references: CAFA 2014, SEND Regs 2014, Equality Act 2010

Strategic prep tip: Use visual documents like our Free Vlogs and for clarity all can be found within our closed FB Group – SEN Parent Support Group

Final Step: Decision & Outcomes

The Tribunal decision typically arrives within 10–14 days post-hearing.

Possible Outcomes:

• Appeal upheld: LA must comply with updated EHCP/order
• Partially upheld: Tribunal amends specific sections
• Dismissed: Appeal not successful, but feedback will guide future action

Want to Go Deeper?

If you need:

• Bundle ready tools
• Pre-hearing scripts
• Working Document walkthroughs
• Explore our CPD-accredited SENDIST Tribunal Webinar now available on-demand.
  🎥 Includes bonus vlogs: Visual Tribunal Walkthrough and Working Document Explained

👉 Purchase SENDIST Training Webinar

Empowerment Starts with Clarity

Whether you’re deep in prep or standing at the start line, remember: every procedural tick and statutory cross-check strengthens your child’s future. This process isn’t just bureaucratic it’s protective. It tells the system your child matters. And you’re prepared to ensure they’re seen, supported, and served legally and meaningfully?

“You don’t know what you don’t know until you know” – SEN Parent Support Group Member after watching our SENDIST Tribunal Vlog!