PeteTyerman: /* Step 5 – Keep Protecting Your Child */

2025-11-06T16:48:58Z

Step 5 – Keep Protecting Your Child

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:48, 6 November 2025
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	Protecting your child’s education and wellbeing is not confrontation — it is your lawful right and duty.		Protecting your child’s education and wellbeing is not confrontation — it is your lawful right and duty.

			----''Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. ''For individual guidance, contact [[SENDIASS]], [https://www.ipsea.org.uk IPSEA], or [https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)]. See the full [[Legal and Support Disclaimer]] for details.

PeteTyerman: next steps in tribunal in phonics

2025-11-06T16:35:56Z

next steps in tribunal in phonics

New page

== Next Steps and Tribunal Options ==
When you have evidence that synthetic phonics is harming or holding back your child, you have the right to act. The law protects your child’s access to learning — even if the school insists “we must follow phonics policy.”

=== Step 1 – Put Concerns in Writing ===
Write to the class teacher and SENDCo explaining:

* Your child is distressed or not progressing with phonics.
* You believe the method is unsuitable.
* You request **reasonable adjustments** under **Section 20 of the Equality Act 2010**.

Ask for:

* A change in teaching method (e.g. meaning-based reading or whole-word learning).
* Access to real books and comprehension-first approaches.
* Removal of nonsense-word tasks or any trigger of anxiety.

Always keep copies of every email or letter.

=== Step 2 – Escalate if Ignored ===
If the school does not respond, or refuses to adjust:

* Write to the **Headteacher** and **Governing Body**.
* Refer to your legal rights under the **Equality Act 2010** and **SEND Code of Practice (2015)**.
* State clearly that failure to act is **disability discrimination** (Section 21).

=== Step 3 – Formal Complaint ===
If still unresolved:

* Use the school’s official complaints procedure.
* Copy your local authority’s SEND team if your child is on the SEN register or has an EHCP.
* You may also request an **EHCP assessment** under **Section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014**.

=== Step 4 – SEND Tribunal ===
You can appeal to the **First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability)** if:

* The school or local authority refuses to make reasonable adjustments.
* Your child is being forced to continue a distressing or unsuitable phonics programme.
* Barriers to reading are not being addressed.

Tribunals are independent and can order schools to change their approach. Parents do **not** need a lawyer to apply.

=== Step 5 – Keep Protecting Your Child ===
Throughout the process:

* Keep your child reading for pleasure in any way that works.
* Maintain immersive listening and word recognition skills.
* Remind them that struggling with phonics is not their fault.

Protecting your child’s education and wellbeing is not confrontation — it is your **lawful right and duty**.

Next Steps and Tribunal Options - Revision history

PeteTyerman: /* Step 5 – Keep Protecting Your Child */

PeteTyerman: next steps in tribunal in phonics