ABSTRACT
The Code of Practice and the 1994 special educational needs (SEN) Regulations require schools to develop a complaints procedure for parents as part of the school's SEN policy. The SEN tribunal was introduced to allow for a single appeal process, the findings of which are binding on all parties, and against whose decision there is no further automatic right of appeal. The local education authority should make available to the parents information about the appeal process. As with the system prior to the 1993 Education Act, parents still have the right to complain to the Secretary of State, or to the Ombudsman, or take a case to Judicial Review. The most effective strategy is to develop partnership with parents, on an individual basis, school basis, and authority basis; through developing links with local and national voluntary organisations and parent support groups; and by using some or all of the strategies outlined in this book.
