Don’t send original documents, send photocopies, and keep a copy of everything you send, including the form. Evidence It is important to obtain any written evidence as soon as you can. It is best to send in all your written evidence with your Appeal form because this you have the main substance of the case set out with supporting evidence right from the start and you may discover more about the LA’s arguments if it is able to respond fully. If you have a good case and evidence, the LA may give in rather than fight the appeal. If you are having difficulty getting information from the LA, you can write to the Tribunal explaining what the document is and ask the Tribunal for a to make the LA release the document: ‘direction’ contact the Tribunal and ask for a for Directions’ form, or download it ‘Request from Unless the LA has a good reason for not providing the document the Tribunal will order the LA to release it. If you think you need to send in evidence later in the process, tell the Tribunal what you expect to obtain and when and submit it by the deadline you are given. Legal help the legal help scheme, a parent or young person on a low income may be able to get limited free legal help from a solicitor. There is a legal aid checker at . Action checklist Get hold of the booklet How to Appeal from the Tribunal. Work out the last date to send in your appeal and make a note of this. (See section 2.13 Timetable of the appeal process below.) Complete the Appeal form including your Reasons for Appeal. Make sure you sign the form and your reasons if they are separate. Make copies of the LA’s decision letter, your Appeal form, your mediation certificate and any evidence you are sending to the Tribunal. Make another set of copies for your adviser if you intend to seek advice. Write to the LA and school if you need further information. (You can use the model letters in the next section, Making your case.) Arrange for any independent reports on you or your child. (See section 3.5 Evidence about difficulties.) Get hold of a copy of the Code (See section 5 Further help.)
Don’t send original documents, send photocopies, and keep a copy of everything you send, including the form. Evidence It is important to obtain any written evidence as soon as you can. It is best to send in all your written evidence with your Appeal form because this you have the main substance of the case set out with supporting evidence right from the start and you may discover more about the LA’s arguments if it is able to respond fully. If you have a good case and evidence, the LA may give in rather than fight the appeal. If you are having difficulty getting information from the LA, you can write to the Tribunal explaining what the document is and ask the Tribunal for a ‘direction’ to make the LA release the document: contact the Tribunal and ask for a ‘Request for Directions’ form, or download it from Unless the LA has a good reason for not providing the document the Tribunal will order the LA to release it. If you think you need to send in evidence later in the process, tell the Tribunal what you expect to obtain and when and submit it by the deadline you are given. Legal help the legal help scheme, a parent or young person on a low income may be able to get limited free legal help from a solicitor. There is a legal aid checker at . Action checklist Get hold of the booklet How to Appeal from the Tribunal. Work out the last date to send in your appeal and make a note of this. (See section 2.13 Timetable of the appeal process below.) Complete the Appeal form including your Reasons for Appeal. Make sure you sign the form and your reasons if they are separate. Make copies of the LA’s decision letter, your Appeal form, your mediation certificate and any evidence you are sending to the Tribunal. Make another set of copies for your adviser if you intend to seek advice. Write to the LA and school if you need further information. (You can use the model letters in the next section, Making your case.) Arrange for any independent reports on you or your child. (See section 3.5 Evidence about difficulties.) Get hold of a copy of the Code (See section 5 Further help.)