Platform route · 1 of 12
Refusal to assess — the pack library for this appeal
If the council refused an EHC needs assessment, this route is already in the platform. Select it below, then gain access to the information you need to build your SEND35A appeal pack — with checks and email support.
Appeal deadline: 2 months from the decision letter, or the later of that date and 1 month from your mediation certificate. Contact a mediation adviser before you submit the SEND35A.
£99/year supported platform · £249 Case Clarity Review with an assigned reviewer
This situation maps to
Appeal: refusal to assess
One of 12 EHCP routes in the platform — select below to continue.
Library access
What you need for this route is already inside the platform
Gain access to a library of required information for a refusal to assess appeal — then build your SEND35A grounds, parent evidence and chronology with support when you need it.
Draft wording for this route
SEND35A grounds, parent evidence summary and evidence structure — shaped for a refusal to assess, not a blank page.
Common council responses
“Needs met from existing resources”, “making progress”, “more evidence needed” — mapped with how to address each one.
Relevant SEND law
Children and Families Act 2014, s.36(8) (must assess if the child has/may have SEN and an EHC plan may be necessary) and SEND Code of Practice 9.14 (evidence to consider) — suggested for your pack; you choose what to include.
Enter here — free
Select your route and continue
Tap what fits. Continue opens the full route checker so you can finish matching and move into the pack.
EHCP route wizard
Step 2 — pick the closest match
I want to challenge a refusal or EHCP decision
Continues in the full route checker — free, about 60 seconds.
Or preview this route's pack sections without signing in.
Example excerpt
Sample grounds wording for this route
Illustrative only. In the platform, wording is drafted for your child's situation — you review before you send.
The local authority refused to secure an EHC needs assessment. Under section 36(8) of the Children and Families Act 2014, an assessment is required where the authority is of the opinion that the child has or may have special educational needs and that it may be necessary for special educational provision to be made in accordance with an EHC plan. The decision appears to apply a higher threshold than that statutory test allows — the question is not whether an EHCP is already certain. Despite ongoing SEN Support, measurable progress remains limited, and professional advice indicates that an EHC plan may be necessary. This pack asks the Tribunal to consider ordering the local authority to secure an EHC needs assessment.
- SEND35A grounds structure
- Parent evidence summary
- Evidence table
- Chronology of events
- Checks before download
Inside the platform
Build the case in your dashboard
Open the pack for this route, work through each section, edit anything, then download when ready.
Example dashboard — illustrative only
Support while you build
In-platform checks and email support are included with the platform. Want someone to check your completed pack? Add Case Clarity Review.
Supported platform
£99/year
All 12 routes · library access · checks · email support
Case Clarity Review
£249
Platform included · assigned reviewer · prioritised action plan