SARM: 'Specialist Alternative Resolution Meetings' From Sept 26 - Tribunals.

What it is, why it exists, and what families can expect.

By SEN Parent Support Group

A SARM is a Specialist Alternative Resolution Meeting. It’s a new stage introduced by the SEND Tribunal as part of the government’s 2026–2027 pilot programme. (SEND Reform)

The idea is simple: create a safe, confidential space for constructive problem‑solving after an appeal has already been lodged, without slowing the timetable or replacing any legal rights.

The government’s guidance sits within the official SEND Tribunal pilot documentation here: Gov.uk

In practice, a SARM is a shuttle conversation. You never meet the Local Authority. You never sit in a joint meeting. A trained HMCTS mediator speaks to each side separately by phone, moving between you and the LA to explore whether any issues can be resolved early or narrowed before the hearing. (A mediation within the Tribunal process)

It only applies to two types of appeals during the pilot:

• refusal to assess

• refusal to issue an EHCP Only selected LAs are included.

You don’t request a SARM. If your case is eligible, HMCTS contacts you around week 6 of the appeal timetable, once the LA has filed its response to your appeal.

Participation is voluntary. Both sides must agree. There is no penalty for declining, and no advantage given to the LA if you choose not to take part. The appeal timetable continues exactly as normal whether you participate or not.

In real terms, families will find that a SARM can help with things like:

• clearing up misunderstandings in the LA’s response

• identifying evidence the LA has overlooked

• narrowing issues so the hearing focuses on what truly matters

• encouraging the LA to reconsider its position before a judge becomes involved

It cannot:

• replace mediation

• delay your appeal

• remove your right to a hearing

• force you into an agreement

• be used to pressure families into accepting unlawful decisions

If an agreement is reached, it becomes legally binding through a consent order issued by a judge. The LA must then follow statutory deadlines exactly as they would after a normal Tribunal order. If no agreement is reached, nothing changes – your appeal simply continues to the next stage.

After a SARM, families can expect one of three outcomes:

1. Agreement and consent order The Tribunal issues the order, and the LA must comply within the legal timescales.
2. Partial agreement Some issues are resolved, others continue to hearing. This can shorten the hearing and reduce evidence burdens.
3. No agreement The appeal proceeds exactly as planned. Your hearing date and timetable remain untouched.

A SARM is not a replacement for justice. It’s an optional opportunity to resolve or narrow issues without losing any rights. For some families it provides clarity and momentum; for others it simply confirms that the Tribunal hearing is still necessary. Either way, it is designed to support not hinder the appeal process.

For those parents agreeing to a SARM ensure your paperwork is in order. Our EHCP review service can cover this, it is cheaper than a Working Document review/rewrite and would provide you with exactly what you would need, based on your evidence and with law. A evidence Matrix from the EHCP Review would be key here!

1. What the Child’s needs are chronological based on the evidence

2. What the LA diluted or ignored

3. What you need inserting into B & F

Because this is new, we are yet to see, hear the impact if any. The LA’s push parents into Tribunal in the first place by disregarding evidence so, I am not entirely convinced this will be of any benefit. Here’s hoping!

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