What is Section B of an EHCP?

Section B describes your child's special educational needs. It should set out all the needs arising from or related to their disability or SEN — including learning, communication, physical, sensory, social, emotional, and mental health needs. It must be specific and detailed, not vague or generic.

Can I appeal Section B without also appealing Section F?

Yes. You can appeal Section B alone, Section F alone, or Sections B and F together. However, in practice many parents appeal both together because the way needs are described in B directly affects what provision can be specified in F.

What evidence do I need for a Section B appeal?

The key evidence is professional assessment reports (EP, SALT, OT, medical) that describe your child's needs in specific, measurable terms. You should also provide a parent statement and any school records showing the impact of needs on education.

What can the Tribunal order?

The SEND Tribunal can order the local authority to amend Section B to include additional or different descriptions of need. It cannot order the local authority to change other parts of the EHCP in isolation, though changes to B often require consequential changes to F.

Appealing Section B of an EHCP (SEN Description)

Section B EHCP appeal — get your Tribunal pack ready

Section B must accurately and specifically describe your child's special educational needs. If it is vague, incomplete, or ignores professional evidence, you can appeal. Send what you have. A case professional prepares the SEND35A grounds and proposed Section B wording. You review it. You send it.

What Section B must contain

Section B should set out all your child's special educational needs with enough specificity to enable the right provision to be identified. This means:

All areas of need — not just the most obvious ones
Specific descriptions, not vague phrases like 'some difficulties with communication'
Needs identified by professional assessments and not dismissed without reason
Language that reflects how needs affect education, not just clinical diagnoses

Common problems with Section B

Needs described too vaguely — no specifics about level, frequency, or impact
Key needs missing entirely — especially sensory, mental health, or social communication needs
Professional recommendations ignored or watered down
Section B written from school's perspective rather than reflecting all professional evidence

What your pack can include

Issue map identifying what Section B is missing or understating
Evidence points from professional reports supporting your preferred wording
Draft proposed Section B wording based on your evidence
Parent statement highlighting the impact of unmet needs
SEND35A grounds of appeal wording

Frequently asked questions

What is Section B of an EHCP?: Section B describes your child's special educational needs. It should set out all the needs arising from or related to their disability or SEN — including learning, communication, physical, sensory, social, emotional, and mental health needs. It must be specific and detailed, not vague or generic.
Can I appeal Section B without also appealing Section F?: Yes. You can appeal Section B alone, Section F alone, or Sections B and F together. However, in practice many parents appeal both together because the way needs are described in B directly affects what provision can be specified in F.
What evidence do I need for a Section B appeal?: The key evidence is professional assessment reports (EP, SALT, OT, medical) that describe your child's needs in specific, measurable terms. You should also provide a parent statement and any school records showing the impact of needs on education.
What can the Tribunal order?: The SEND Tribunal can order the local authority to amend Section B to include additional or different descriptions of need. It cannot order the local authority to change other parts of the EHCP in isolation, though changes to B often require consequential changes to F.