Attending Trinunal??

[sahs1969]

Hi,

We have a hearing date for Nov and just wandered if anyone on here has actually attended one and what happens and how long they go on for?
Also did you take your child with you-my dd will be 10yrs.
Am getting so nervous....then to top it all the SENCO from dd's school tells me yesterday that she will be there too-and they don't think dd will need/get it!!!!!!!

Thanks,
S
x

Hi S,
I really sympathise will you as have been in the same position.
I'm sure others on here will be able to give you advice about the tribunal.
Just wanted to share my experience if it helps. Tribunal was set for October and I was dreading it. I went back to the tribunal and asked for the date to be brought forward as I said the delay was too long. Tribunal sent me a request for earlier hearing form which I submitted to my LA. When the LA realised they had to play ball and bring tribunal forward, they backed down and have now agreed to assess ie. no tribunal.
Is this a tactic you could try?
Don't let the buggers grind you down and keep pushing.

Ignore the SENCO. Mine said she wanted DS to get SA but didn't think he would.

I haven't attended a hearing but I know they can go on for a whole day (or two in some cases). I wouldn't bring my son to one - he'd get bored and would act out, plus he hates people discussing his issues in front of him. SEND usually recommend that another adult comes to look after a child and the child only attends to give evidence. DS would find it hard to give evidence (too anxious in front of strange people) so there's no advantage in taking him.

Another parent told me that the panel does read all of the evidence submitted and takes it all seriously, so if most of your argument is in your written submissions, you shouldn't need to explain it all over again at the hearing.