SEND Tribunal officer

SEND Tribunal officers represent a local authority at SEND Tribunal appeal hearings or mediations. The SEND Tribunal is an independent national body which decides appeals against local authority (LA) decisions about the special educational needs (SEN) of children and young people.

It also hears claims of disability discrimination against any type of school, and maintained nursery schools. Its full name is The First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability).

SEND Tribunal officers will attend pre-hearing meetings, take notes and follow up on actions to assist the preparation of cases under the direction of the senior Tribunal officers. They are usually required to have worked in a similar local authority role, and a proven track record working with children, their families, other carers and schools in challenging situations.