Rulebook · What a local authority letter includes

That going to mediation does not affect the right to appeal

That going to mediation does not affect the right to appeal. The Code says the notice should make clear that going to mediation does not affect the right to appeal.

Not required by law. The SEND Code of Practice says "should".

Part of the letter: Decision not to carry out an EHC needs assessment.

Type of rule

Code of Practice: should (follow unless there is a good reason not to)The SEND Code of Practice says "should" here. The bodies it applies to (such as councils, schools, colleges and health bodies) must have regard to it, and the Code says they will be expected to explain any departure from it.

Rule id

notice.decision_not_to_assess.mediation_no_effect_on_appeal

Rules version

england-2026.10

Law as at

30 September 2026

Sources

• SEND Code of Practice 2015, para 11.19Code of Practice: should (follow unless there is a good reason not to)

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