From 17 August 2026, the SEND Tribunal introduced a new pilot called the One Touch Case Management Pilot for certain appeals relating to Section I of an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan (the educational placement named in the plan). The pilot aims to help appeals progress more efficiently and reduce delays for families.  

Why is the Tribunal making changes? 

The number of SEND Tribunal appeals has continued to increase. The Tribunal is testing a new process to: 

  • Improve the speed at which appeals are progressed. 

  • Make better use of available hearing dates. 

  • Provide greater certainty about the steps in an appeal. 

  • Ensure cases are ready before a hearing is scheduled.  

What is different? 

Under the pilot, eligible Section I appeals will not automatically receive a provisional hearing date when the appeal is registered. Instead, the Tribunal will use a structured case-management process with clear deadlines for both parties.  

Families will receive standard directions when the appeal is registered. These directions explain: 

  • What information and evidence must be provided. 

  • Who is responsible for each action. 

  • The deadline for each stage of the appeal.  

How does the new process work? 

Step 1: Follow the Directions 

Parents and the Local Authority must provide the required information and evidence by the deadlines set out in the Standard Directions. https://norfolkcounty.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/sites/SENDIASSTeam/Shared Documents/Information Sharing/Tribunal update -One Touch Pilot Newsletter Leaflet.pdf?d=wb8f956e7f95e401d9afcfea414229746&csf=1&web=1&e=Oq6N7y  

Step 2: Tribunal Review 

Around 12 to 16 weeks after the appeal is registered, and after the final evidence bundle has been submitted, the appeal will be reviewed by a Legal Officer, Registrar or Judge. 

Step 3: If the Appeal is Ready 

If the Tribunal decides the case is ready to proceed, it will be listed for: 

  • The next available hearing date, and/or 

  • A Judicial Alternative Dispute Resolution (JADR) hearing.  

Step 4: If the Appeal is Not Ready 

The Tribunal may issue further directions, such as: 

  • Additional actions that need to be completed. 

  • A revised timetable. 

  • Directions relating to missed deadlines or non-compliance.  

What if I need to request a change? 

Requests for changes will usually be considered during the Tribunal's review of the case. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, a decision on a request may not be made before that review takes place.  

What does this mean for families? 

The most important thing is to: 

  • Read all Tribunal correspondence carefully. 

  • Follow the Standard Directions. 

  • Meet all deadlines wherever possible. 

  • Submit evidence on time. 

Doing so will help ensure the appeal can progress smoothly and be considered ready for a hearing as quickly as possible.  

Remember 

The One Touch Pilot is currently a trial. The Tribunal will gather feedback from families, local authorities and other stakeholders to help decide whether the new process improves the experience of SEND Tribunal users.  

Need support? 


If you are involved in a SEND Tribunal appeal and are unsure about what the Tribunal is asking you to do, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us.