SENDIST appeals in Northern Ireland: a practical parent overview
SENDIST is independent of the Education Authority and hears certain appeals about SEN decisions as well as disability-discrimination claims relating to children at school.
Northern Ireland has its own SEN framework and Statements of Special Educational Needs. England EHCP guidance does not apply.
What SENDIST hears
Appealable matters include certain decisions about statutory assessment, whether to make a Statement, specified contents of a Statement and some later Statement decisions.
Check the deadline immediately
Department of Justice guidance says an SEN appeal must generally be made within two months of receiving the EA decision you disagree with.
You can keep discussing the case
Tribunal guidance encourages continued discussion with the EA; agreement can sometimes be reached after an appeal is lodged.
Official and authoritative sources
Community
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