Can SENDIST allow two observers?

[adrianna22]

Hi,

Has anyone been allowed to bring two observers to their tribunal hearing?

depends on the circumstances I guess - my LA at two of mine asked for observers and we objected and they weren't allowed in

two of my family members want to come for support.

I think they may not allow two - a friend of mine did take another friend for support - but you have to have permission of the judge so you will need to formally request it. who else is going with you - do you have a partner going with you and witnesses? I guess all you can do is ask

DS dad will not be attending now. My witnesses are attending, but I would like DS Grandmother and my good friend to come.

I was going to have my dh and sister at mine. La objected but nothing they could do. She didn't go in the end as was the babysitter

I know someone else who took her husband and a family friend - I think you will just have to ask on the day. I always object to the LA but then they also had a barrister as well - first time they wanted the solicitor to be an observer and second time was the sen officer so a slightly different situation to you.

I would think that you might stand more chance of them allowing one person to support you especially as your Ds's dad is no longer going.

We had a similar situation to bjk where the LA wanted both a Solicitor and a Barrister in the hearing fortunately the Judge was having none of it and the solicitor had to wait outside! HA!!

Nothing like a bit of intimidation towards the parents of a disabled child

Good luck what ever you decide

Do you have a representative? They may take the view that the rep can provide any necessary support.