Working Document's - HELP!!!!

A clear, concise working document (WD) focused on wording, evidence links and unresolved issues helps the Tribunal and speeds up case resolution. Use this blog and Top Tips within our resources to guide yourself  through final checks, keep stress low, and ensure every proposed change is properly evidenced and visible.

Andrea – SEN Parent Support Group – Founder – Mentor

Tribunal Journey: a brutally honest pep talk for SEND parents

So you’re standing at the start of the SENDIST track  anxious, exhausted, furious, and determined all at once. Good. That mix is exactly what gets results. Tribunals are messy, bureaucratic, and designed to make you feel like you’re arguing with a spreadsheet or the LA can lead you to believe you are actually going crazy! I can assure you –  that you are categorically NOT! These are tactics and however  impossible it seems the law will eventually be on your side!  With the right working document, the right evidence pointers, and support that actually knows the terrain, you can turn chaos into clarity and the process into tangible provision at the end!

Why your working document is your secret weapon

• It tells the tribunal what you want the EHCP to say and the evidence that makes it reasonable.
• It narrows the fight: agreed text vs disputed text –  don’t let everything become a battle.
• Done well, it saves you time, stress, and the “why didn’t we do that sooner” regret at the Case Review!

Real-life moments you’ll recognise (so you stop being surprised)

• The LA ghosted your V3 for three months, then pops up with an “urgent” rewording on the final deadline. You did the thing: logged every email, kept dated versions, and emailed the Tribunal a cover note explaining the delay. They noticed.
• School meets you and nods through every concern then sends a “school-based plan” that looks nothing like the meeting notes. You keep meeting minutes, paste the agreed lines into the WD, and ask for a clean agreed-text copy. Silence becomes evidence when you document it.
• Someone suggests “just copy the full reports into the WD.” You don’t. You put short, precise wording in Section F and a tidy footnote pointer to the full report in the bundle. The tribunal thanks you (silently).

How sarcasm helps (because you’ll need it)

• You’ll meet endless “we can’t afford that” hand-wringing. Say, “Oh great, I’ll just magic the hours into existence.” Then point to the evidence that shows the cost of not providing support. Keep the eye-roll for private notes; bring crisp wording to the WD.

Quick checklist

1. Put the insertion key at page 1 of your WD or have the key stuck to your monitor!
2. Every proposed change = one-line evidence pointer (Author, date, page)
3. Ensure the LA and Tribunal have your evidence that you are relying upon
4. Ensure every need in Section B is present
5. Ensure every provision within Section F covers Section B
6. Section F should detail:  who, what, how often, where, by whom, and review date.
7. Keep a versioned change log: Version | Date | Edited by | Summary | Evidence ref.
8. Set up an alert to notify you a week before each Tribunal Deadline! Set your internal deadline 10 working days before the Tribunal final evidence deadline.
9. One week before final deadline: produce a 1–2 page Issues Summary, a clean “Agreed Text”, and a “Disputed Text” file
10. If the LA won’t play: record attempts, file the WD with the Tribunal and flag the non-engagement.

Where we can step in and how we help (because this is the bit you actually wanted)

• Self-study training: our full SENDIST Tribunal Parent training and related modules are available on the SEN Parent Support Group website practical, legal-grounded, and designed by parents who’ve fought this fight.
• Working Document : we go through your WD line-by-line, add evidence pointers, and convert wish-lists into tribunal-grade wording.
• Full Mentorship Package: hands-on support from intake to hearing  WD drafting, bundle checking, witness statements, rehearse your oral evidence, and represent your position in pre-hearing case management.
• Bespoke Coaching: one-to-one sessions to empower you to lead the WD process and negotiate any last-minute LA pushbacks.

Reality (not soppy, just practical)

This is one of the hardest bureaucratic fights you’ll run as a parent. It’s not fair. It’s not quick. It is, however, winnable! You don’t have to go it alone. Use the templates, grab the training, and let experienced Mentor’s translate your child’s needs into tribunal-ready wording so your voice is heard, and so your child gets the support they’re legally entitled to

For those going it alone – we’ve got you too! Click here to take you to our WD Top Tips