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UK SEND Tribunal Working Document Template (EHCP B/F/I)

Draft a UK SEND Tribunal Working Document for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) appeal under section 51 of the Children and Families Act 2014. The template uses the standard British 3-column working-document format (Current EHCP / Parent's Proposed Amendment / Reasons + Supporting Evidence) covering Section B (Needs), Section F (Provision) and Section I (Placement), with expert evidence (Educational Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, CAMHS, specialist teacher), school visit and placement analysis under sections 39-40 CFA 2014, and structured parental capacity evidence. British families appealing inadequate EHCPs typically face £1,500-£5,000 in solicitor costs; this template provides the structured framework that practitioners use.

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SEND Tribunal Working Document
In Respect Of Jacob Edward Watson · DOB 2017-06-14 · EHCP Ref WB-EHCP-04829-2024
TO: First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability)
HM Courts and Tribunals Service, SEND Tribunal Service, Waterside House, 3 Friar Lane, Leicester LE1 5QU

APPELLANT: Mrs Catherine Anne Watson (parent / person with parental responsibility)
8 Beech Grove, Reading RG4 5HT
Contact: c.watson@protonmail.com · 07732 819438

RESPONDENT: West Berkshire Council — SEND Team
Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury RG14 5LD

IN RESPECT OF: Jacob Edward Watson (DOB 2017-06-14)
HEARING DATE: 2026-09-22
DOCUMENT DATE: 2026-06-03
SEND TRIBUNAL WORKING DOCUMENT — CFA 2014 s.51
EHCP Sections B / F / I
1.
APPELLANT, CHILD AND PROCEEDINGS
1.1 The Appellant is Mrs Catherine Anne Watson, parent / person with parental responsibility for Jacob Edward Watson (DOB 2017-06-14). 1.2 The Respondent is West Berkshire Council — SEND Team, the Local Authority responsible for the child's Education, Health and Care Plan (reference WB-EHCP-04829-2024). 1.3 The appeal is brought under section 51 of the Children and Families Act 2014 in respect of the contents of Sections B (Needs), F (Provision) and I (Placement) of the Education, Health and Care Plan.
2.
STATUTORY FRAMEWORK
2.1 The appeal is governed by Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014, the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, the Special Educational Needs and Disability (First-tier Tribunal Recommendations Power) Regulations 2017, and the SEND Code of Practice 2015 (0-25). 2.2 The First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) applies the SEND Tribunal Rules 2008 (as amended) and considers the contents of the EHCP by reference to the statutory framework in CFA 2014 ss.37, 39 and 40 (placement preference framework).
3.
APPEAL OVERVIEW
3.1 The Appellant's position on the appeal is as follows:
The Appellant appeals the contents of Sections B, F and I of Jacob's EHCP issued 14 May 2025 (updated 12 January 2026). Jacob is an 8-year-old boy with diagnosed Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), severe speech, language and communication needs, and emerging anxiety. The current EHCP underdescribes his Section B needs (particularly around social communication and sensory profile), provides inadequately quantified Section F provision (in particular SaLT, OT and dedicated 1:1 support), and names a mainstream primary school in Section I that the Appellant submits is incapable of meeting Jacob's needs. The Appellant seeks: amendment of Sections B and F to specify the full needs and quantified provision; and naming of Castlebridge Specialist Primary School (ASC-specialist independent school approved under section 41) in Section I.
4.
WORKING DOCUMENT — DISPUTED ITEMS (3-COLUMN STRUCTURE)
4.1 The Tribunal is invited to consider the following disputed items in the standard SEND working-document 3-column structure (Current EHCP / Parent's Proposed Amendment / Reasons):
Section B (Needs):
(a) Section B inadequately describes Jacob's ASC presentation (current draft cites diagnosis but does not detail social communication impairment); (b) Section B fails to record Jacob's sensory profile (Sensory Integration assessment dated 18 February 2026 confirms hyperresponsivity to auditory and visual stimuli); (c) Section B does not mention emerging anxiety (CAMHS report dated 22 March 2026); (d) Section B lacks specific reference to the impact on educational attainment and emotional regulation across the school day.

Section F (Provision):
(a) SaLT: Current Section F specifies "regular SaLT input" — should specify "Block of 8 individual SaLT sessions per term + 4 group sessions, plus 30 minutes weekly indirect therapy with teaching staff"; (b) OT: Current Section F specifies "OT support as required" — should specify "Termly sensory profile review + weekly 1:1 OT for first half-term then monthly + ongoing classroom strategies"; (c) 1:1 support: Current Section F specifies "Teaching Assistant support as appropriate" — should specify "25 hours per week dedicated 1:1 support with trained ASC TA"; (d) Communication support: Current Section F is silent on alternative communication methods — should specify visual schedules, PECS support, social stories.

Section I (Placement):
Current Section I names Theale Primary School (mainstream). The Appellant submits this is unsuitable: school SEN profile shows only 4 EHCP children of 220 pupils; SENCO confirms no current ASC-specialist provision; class size 32 incompatible with Jacob's sensory needs. The Appellant seeks naming of Castlebridge Specialist Primary School (ASC-specialist independent school, section 41 approved) with maximum class size 8 and full multidisciplinary team. Castlebridge has confirmed availability and the additional cost (£62,000 per annum) is compatible with efficient use of LA resources having regard to the alternative SLT / OT / 1:1 staff costs at the maintained school.
5.
SECTION B — DETAILED 3-COLUMN ANALYSIS
5.1 Section B identifies the child's special educational needs. The Appellant's detailed analysis:
Item B.1 — ASC diagnosis and presentation.
Current: "Jacob has Autism Spectrum Condition."
Proposed: "Jacob has Autism Spectrum Condition diagnosed by Dr Rebecca Marsh (Consultant Paediatrician, Royal Berkshire NHS FT) on 14 March 2024. His presentation includes: (a) significant social communication impairment (limited reciprocal eye contact, difficulty understanding social cues); (b) restricted, repetitive behaviours (lining up toys, scripted echolalia); (c) sensory processing difficulties; (d) cognitive abilities within average range."
Reasons: EP report Dr Rebecca Marsh 18/02/2026 confirms all four elements.

Item B.2 — Sensory profile.
Current: (omitted)
Proposed: "Jacob has hyperresponsivity to auditory stimuli (sudden noise causes distress) and visual stimuli (bright lighting). Sensory Integration assessment dated 18 February 2026 (Sarah Henderson OT) shows above-clinical-threshold sensory differences."
Reasons: OT report 10/03/2026 + sensory assessment 18/02/2026.

Item B.3 — Emerging anxiety.
Current: (omitted)
Proposed: "Jacob is experiencing emerging school-related anxiety, characterised by morning refusal, somatic complaints (stomach pain) and reduced eating. CAMHS assessment 22 March 2026 confirms anxiety subthreshold for diagnosis but contributing to educational engagement difficulties."
Reasons: CAMHS report Dr Pemberton 22/03/2026.
6.
SECTION F — DETAILED 3-COLUMN ANALYSIS
6.1 Section F sets out the special educational provision required to meet the child's needs. The provision must be specific and quantified (per L v Hampshire CC and SEND Code of Practice). The Appellant's detailed analysis:
Item F.1 — SaLT provision.
Current: "Regular SaLT input will be provided."
Proposed: "Block of 8 individual SaLT sessions per term (32 sessions per year, 30 minutes each) by SaLT-qualified therapist + 4 group sessions per term (16 sessions per year, 45 minutes each) focusing on social communication. Plus 30 minutes weekly indirect therapy with class teacher to embed strategies."
Reasons: SaLT report Mrs Helena Cooper 25/02/2026 specifies the quantified provision required; L v Hampshire CC [2019] requires quantification.

Item F.2 — OT provision.
Current: "OT support as required."
Proposed: "Termly sensory profile review (3 per year); weekly 1:1 OT for first half-term of each academic year (5 weeks × 30 minutes); then monthly OT review (10 reviews per year, 30 minutes each); ongoing classroom strategies including movement breaks, sensory diet, fidget tools."
Reasons: OT report Sarah Henderson 10/03/2026.

Item F.3 — 1:1 support.
Current: "Teaching Assistant support as appropriate."
Proposed: "25 hours per week dedicated 1:1 support delivered by Teaching Assistant who has completed accredited ASC training (e.g. Autism Education Trust Level 2)."
Reasons: EP report 18/02/2026 recommends 25 hours dedicated 1:1; L v Hampshire CC requires quantification.

Item F.4 — Communication support.
Current: (omitted)
Proposed: "Visual schedules, PECS visual support cards, social stories prepared and used daily; access to designated quiet space for transition support."
Reasons: SaLT report.
7.
SECTION I — PLACEMENT PREFERENCE
7.1 Section I identifies the school placement. Under sections 39-40 of the Children and Families Act 2014, the LA must name the parent's preferred school in Section I unless the school is unsuitable, the admission would be incompatible with efficient education of others, or would be incompatible with efficient use of resources. 7.2 The Appellant's placement case:
Current Section I: Theale Primary School (mainstream, 220 pupils, SEN profile 4 EHCPs).
Appellant's preferred school: Castlebridge Specialist Primary School (ASC-specialist independent school, section 41 of CFA 2014 approved list, located at Castlebridge Drive, Reading RG4).
Suitability analysis: Castlebridge has maximum class size 8; all teaching staff trained in ASC; full multidisciplinary team on site (SaLT, OT, ABA-trained teacher); structured environment with sensory-modified spaces.
Efficient education of others: Castlebridge specialises in low-prevalence high-need provision; no displacement.
Efficient use of resources: Castlebridge fees £62,000 per annum vs Theale costs of equivalent 1:1 + SaLT + OT + sensory equipment estimated £58,500 + LA SEND team time + likely future tribunal costs. The additional £3,500 is compatible with the efficient-use-of-resources test in CFA 2014 s.39(4)(c) having regard to the qualitative gain.
Castlebridge has confirmed in writing (letter dated 18 May 2026) that they have a place available from September 2026.
8.
EXPERT EVIDENCE
8.1 The Appellant relies on the following expert evidence:
Educational Psychologist: Dr Rebecca Marsh, Chartered Educational Psychologist, BPS member, NHS commissioned; report dated 18 February 2026; cognitive profile, ASC presentation, recommendations.
Speech and Language Therapist: Mrs Helena Cooper, HCPC registered, specialist in ASC; report dated 25 February 2026; communication profile, SaLT provision recommendation.
Occupational Therapist: Sarah Henderson, HCPC registered, sensory integration specialist; report dated 10 March 2026; sensory profile, OT provision recommendation.
CAMHS / Mental Health: Dr James Pemberton, Consultant Psychiatrist, Berkshire Healthcare NHS FT; CAMHS report dated 22 March 2026; emerging anxiety, recommendations.
Specialist Teacher: Mrs Margaret Foster-Thompson, ASC Specialist Teacher (Autism Education Trust Level 5); independent observation report dated 8 April 2026.
9.
SCHOOL VISIT AND PLACEMENT EVIDENCE
9.1 The Appellant's evidence on the proposed placement:
Theale Primary School: Visit 14 March 2026; SENCO meeting (Mrs Sarah Williams); meeting note records SENCO confirmation that current SEN team does not have ASC-specialist training, class sizes 32, no sensory-modified spaces, no on-site SaLT or OT.
Castlebridge Specialist Primary: Visit 22 April 2026 (Appellant + Jacob trial visit); Headteacher meeting (Mr Robert Hartwell); offer letter dated 18 May 2026 confirming September 2026 place available, fees £62,000 per annum, full ASC-specialist provision included.
10.
PARENTAL CAPACITY EVIDENCE
10.1 The Appellant's evidence on parental capacity to support the child:
The Appellant is a self-employed accountant (working from home), able to fully engage with placement and transport. The family has one other child (Charlotte, 11) attending local secondary. Transport: Castlebridge is 7 miles from family home, daily commute by car (35 minutes each way); local taxi provider quoted £180/week as fallback. Support network: maternal grandparents 3 miles away, available for emergency cover. The Appellant has attended a full Autism Education Trust parent training course (Tier 1 + Tier 2) and can embed home-school continuity.
11.
EVIDENCE SUMMARY
11.1 The Appellant relies on the following bundle:
Bundle Tab A — Pleadings (Appellant's Notice of Appeal; this Working Document; LA Response); Tab B — Witness Statements (Catherine Watson; Jacob's class teacher; Jacob's health visitor); Tab C — Expert Reports (EP report Dr Rebecca Marsh 18 February 2026; SaLT report Mrs Helena Cooper 25 February 2026; OT report Sarah Henderson 10 March 2026; CAMHS report Dr James Pemberton 22 March 2026); Tab D — School Evidence (Theale Primary current SEN profile + SENCO meeting note; Castlebridge Specialist Primary confirmation of availability + cost letter); Tab E — EHCP (issued 14 May 2025; updated 12 January 2026); Tab F — Authorities (CFA 2014 Part 3; SEND Code of Practice 2015; L v Hampshire CC).
12.
DETERMINATION SOUGHT AND GOVERNING LAW
12.1 The Appellant invites the Tribunal to: (a) amend the EHCP to reflect the proposed amendments in Sections B, F and I; (b) name the Appellant's preferred school in Section I; and (c) direct the LA to implement the amended EHCP within 14 days of the Tribunal Order. 12.2 This appeal is conducted under the law of England and the SEND Tribunal Rules 2008.
13.
DECLARATION
I, Mrs Catherine Anne Watson, declare that the contents of this Working Document are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
APPELLANT
Mrs Catherine Anne Watson
On behalf of Jacob Edward Watson
Date: ____________________

Available as a print-ready PDF or an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) file.

What Is a UK SEND Tribunal Working Document?

A UK SEND Tribunal Working Document is the central document presented at the hearing of an appeal under section 51 of the Children and Families Act 2014 against the contents of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The working document is in 3-column format: Column 1 sets out the current EHCP wording in dispute; Column 2 sets out the parent's proposed amendment; Column 3 sets out the reasons for the proposed amendment with cross-reference to supporting evidence. The British document is typically presented as part of a 75-100 page bundle including expert reports, school evidence and parent statements.

The appeal is heard by the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) — a specialist statutory tribunal applying the SEND Tribunal Rules 2008 (as amended). The Tribunal hears appeals against: (a) the contents of EHCP Sections B (Needs), F (Provision) and I (Placement) — most common; (b) the LA's refusal to carry out an EHC needs assessment under s.36(3); (c) the LA's refusal to issue an EHCP after assessment; (d) the LA's decision to cease to maintain an EHCP. The appeal is brought by the British parent (or person with parental responsibility); the LA is the respondent.

The statutory framework is the Children and Families Act 2014 Part 3, the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, the Special Educational Needs and Disability (First-tier Tribunal Recommendations Power) Regulations 2017, and the SEND Code of Practice 2015 (0-25). Critical authorities include L v Hampshire CC [2019] which established that Section F provision must be specific and quantified — type, frequency, duration, person delivering. The British placement framework in sections 39-40 CFA 2014 requires the LA to name the parent's preferred school unless (a) unsuitable; (b) incompatible with efficient education of others; (c) incompatible with efficient use of resources.

What's Covered in This UK Template

Our UK template generates a structured 3-column working document ready for adoption at the SEND Tribunal hearing.

Appellant + Child + LA + FTT

British parent / person with parental responsibility, child identification (name, DOB, EHCP reference), Local Authority, First-tier Tribunal SEND office address.

CFA 2014 + SEND Framework Citation

CFA 2014 Part 3 + ss.36, 39, 40, 51, SEND Regulations 2014, SEND Code of Practice 2015 (0-25), SEND (FTT Recommendations Power) Regulations 2017 — the British framework correctly cited.

Primary Appeal Basis

Pick contents of B/F/I (most common) / refusal to assess (s.36) / refusal to issue EHCP / cease to maintain EHCP. Drives the appeal narrative structure.

Appeal Overview + Disputed Items

Structured overview narrative + Section B (Needs), Section F (Provision), Section I (Placement) disputed items identified.

Evidence Bundle Summary

Structured bundle index — Pleadings (A) / Witness Statements (B) / Expert Reports (C) / School Evidence (D) / EHCP (E) / Authorities (F).

Section B Detailed 3-Column

Expert mode adds the detailed item-by-item Section B (Needs) 3-column analysis — Current / Proposed / Reasons + Supporting Evidence. Diagnosis, sensory profile, anxiety, educational impact.

Section F Detailed 3-Column

Expert mode adds the detailed item-by-item Section F (Provision) 3-column analysis with L v Hampshire CC compliance — specific + quantified provision (type, frequency, duration, person delivering).

Section I Placement Analysis

Expert mode adds the Section I (Placement) analysis under sections 39-40 CFA 2014 — preferred school identity, suitability, capacity, comparator analysis with LA's proposed school, efficient-use-of-resources analysis.

Multi-Disciplinary Expert Evidence

Expert mode adds the structured expert evidence schedule — Educational Psychologist (EP), Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT), Occupational Therapist (OT), CAMHS / psychiatrist, specialist teacher.

School Visit + Placement Evidence

Expert mode adds the school evidence — Theale-style mainstream school visit notes + SENCO meeting record + Castlebridge-style specialist school visit + offer letter + cost letter.

Parental Capacity Evidence

Expert mode adds the parental capacity evidence — family circumstances, transport availability, support network, AET training completed.

Section 41 Independent Schools

Coverage of section 41 CFA 2014 approved independent specialist schools as Section I placement options, with cost-comparator analysis vs maintained sector equivalent provision.

How to Create a UK SEND Tribunal Working Document

Follow these steps to draft a working document ready for SEND Tribunal adoption.

  1. 1

    Enter Appellant + Child + LA + FTT

    Enter the British parent's name, address, optional contact; the child's name, DOB, EHCP reference; the Local Authority and its SEND Team address; the FTT SEND Tribunal office address (typically HM Courts and Tribunals Service, Waterside House, Leicester for cases nationally); the hearing date (if listed); the document date.

  2. 2

    Pick Appeal Basis + Write Overview

    Pick the primary appeal basis — contents of B/F/I (most common) / refusal to assess / refusal to issue / cease to maintain. Write the appeal overview — what is sought, why the current EHCP is inadequate, what amendments are proposed. List the disputed items in Sections B, F and I.

  3. 3

    Add Evidence Bundle Summary

    Build the bundle index — Tab A Pleadings (Notice of Appeal, this Working Document, LA Response); Tab B Witness Statements; Tab C Expert Reports (EP, SaLT, OT, CAMHS, specialist teacher); Tab D School Evidence (visit notes, SENCO meeting record, offer letter); Tab E EHCP; Tab F Authorities.

  4. 4

    Unlock Expert: Section B + Section F Detailed 3-Column

    In Expert mode, build the detailed item-by-item Section B 3-column analysis (Current EHCP / Parent's Proposed Amendment / Reasons + Supporting Evidence) — diagnosis presentation, sensory profile, anxiety, educational impact. Build the detailed Section F 3-column analysis with L v Hampshire CC compliance — each provision item specifies type, frequency, duration, person delivering.

  5. 5

    Add Section I + Expert + School + Capacity and Submit

    In Expert mode, build the Section I placement analysis (preferred school, sections 39-40 CFA 2014 three statutory tests, comparator with LA's proposed school, efficient-use-of-resources). Build the multi-disciplinary expert evidence schedule. Build the school visit and placement evidence. Build the parental capacity evidence. Download as PDF and lodge with the FTT SEND Tribunal in the bundle for the hearing.

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Legal Considerations

SEND Tribunal proceedings are formal Tribunal proceedings with significant statutory powers.

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. SEND Tribunal advocacy is specialist work; British SEND solicitors typically charge £1,500-£5,000 for full case handling. Some firms offer fixed-fee or CFA arrangements. Free advice is available from IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice).

Reviewed for England SEND Tribunal practice (June 2026)

EHCP Statutory Framework

The Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is the central British statutory framework for children with significant Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Established by Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014, the EHCP is issued by the Local Authority following an EHC needs assessment under section 36. The plan has 11 sections (A-K); the contested sections are typically B (Needs), F (Provision) and I (Placement). The LA must review the EHCP annually and amend it as needed. Where the parent disagrees with the contents, the LA decision to refuse assessment, the LA decision to refuse to issue the EHCP, or the LA decision to cease to maintain it, the appeal lies to the First-tier Tribunal (SEND) under section 51 of the 2014 Act.

Section F Quantification — L v Hampshire CC

L v Hampshire County Council [2019] EWHC 1192 (Admin) established that Section F (Provision) must be specific and quantified — type, frequency, duration, person delivering. Generic provisions like "regular speech and language therapy" or "support as needed" are inadequate and will be amended on appeal. The British Tribunal expects each provision item to specify (i) the type of intervention (e.g. "individual speech and language therapy"); (ii) the frequency (e.g. "twice per term"); (iii) the duration (e.g. "30 minutes per session"); (iv) the person delivering (e.g. "HCPC-registered SaLT therapist"). Expert evidence (from EP, SaLT, OT, CAMHS) is essential to specify and quantify the provision.

Section I — Placement Preference

Sections 39-40 of the CFA 2014 govern the placement preference framework. The LA must name the parent's preferred school in Section I UNLESS: (a) the school is unsuitable for the age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs of the child; (b) admission would be incompatible with the efficient education of others at the school; or (c) admission would be incompatible with the efficient use of resources. The British Tribunal weighs all three tests. The parent's preferred school includes maintained mainstream / special schools, academies, section 41 approved independent specialist schools (e.g. Castlebridge), and non-approved independent specialist schools (subject to additional test). The Tribunal has wide power under s.51 to name the parent's preferred school.

Multi-Disciplinary Expert Evidence

Successful British SEND Tribunal appeals rely on multi-disciplinary expert evidence. The standard set: (a) Educational Psychologist (EP) — cognitive profile, learning needs, recommendations on provision; (b) Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT) — communication needs, language profile, SaLT provision recommendation; (c) Occupational Therapist (OT) — sensory profile, motor planning, OT provision recommendation; (d) CAMHS / psychiatrist — mental health profile, emotional needs; (e) specialist teacher — observation, classroom-based recommendations. Each expert provides an independent report which forms the basis for the parent's proposed amendments. Expert costs (£800-£2,500 per report) are a significant family investment but materially affect the British tribunal outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Draft Your UK SEND Tribunal Working Document Now

Use our free CFA 2014 + SEND Code of Practice 2015 template to draft a structured 3-column working document for SEND Tribunal hearing. Expert mode unlocks the detailed Section B + Section F 3-column analysis (L v Hampshire CC quantification compliance), the Section I placement analysis (sections 39-40 framework), the multi-disciplinary expert evidence schedule, the school visit and placement evidence, and the parental capacity evidence — the complete UK SEND Tribunal toolkit.

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