SENDIST - now First–Tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability)

Tribunal service for Special Educational Needs and Disability

Mowden Hall Staindrop Road

From 03/11/2008 the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal ceased to exist as a stand-alone body and became part of a new two-tier Tribunal structure; the First-Tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal.

The First Tier Tribunal for Special Educational Needs & Disability was set up by the Education Act 1993. It considers parents' appeals against the decisions of Local Authorities (LA's) about children's special educational needs if parents cannot reach agreement with the LA. The Tribunal is independent. The Lord Chancellor appoints the Tribunal Judges, and the Secretary of State for Education and Skills appoints the members. But the Government cannot influence the tribunal's decision, and the tribunal has no connection with any LA.