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SEND11YP Form UK: Young Person Tribunal Attendance

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Written by Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)
Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice.
Updated June 2026 · England & Wales
If you are a young person taking a case to the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal, Form SEND11YP is how you tell the Tribunal who will be coming with you on the day of the hearing. It covers everyone involved in your side of the case, from the person helping you present your arguments, to any witnesses giving evidence, to anything practical you need so the hearing works for you. A copy goes to the Tribunal and a copy goes to the Local Authority, so both sides know what to expect. Although the form itself is short, filling it in properly matters, because it affects who is allowed into the hearing room and whether the Tribunal can meet any specific needs you have. This guide walks through each section, what it asks for, and some things worth thinking about before you send it off.

What this document is

Form SEND11YP is an official attendance form used by the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) for appeals and claims brought by young people in their own right. In SEND proceedings, a young person is typically someone aged 16 or over but under 25 who has chosen to run the appeal themselves, rather than having a parent do it for them.

The form sits alongside the wider tribunal bundle and serves a practical purpose: telling everyone involved who is turning up and why. That includes a representative (someone who speaks on your behalf), a helper (someone providing support on the day), and any witnesses you want the Tribunal to hear from.

It also gives you a space to flag special requirements, such as accessibility needs, learning difficulties, or anything else that affects how you take part. The form must be returned by the deadline the Tribunal sets, and copies are shared with the Local Authority so the other side is not caught off guard by unexpected attendees.

How to use this document

  1. Fill in your personal details accurately. Start by entering your full name exactly as it appears on your appeal paperwork, along with the appeal or claim number the Tribunal has allocated to your case. Getting the reference number right is important because it ensures your form is matched to the correct file rather than sitting unlinked in the system.
  2. Record your representative or helper. In this section, add the name of anyone who will be speaking for you or supporting you at the hearing, together with their occupation or profession. A representative might be a solicitor, an advocate from a SEND charity, or a friend or family member. A helper is someone there for emotional or practical support rather than to argue your case.
  3. List your witnesses. The form has space for up to three witnesses. For each one, write their full name and occupation. Witnesses are people who can speak to facts relevant to your appeal, such as a former teacher, a therapist, or a healthcare professional who has worked with you. Think carefully about who genuinely adds something to your case.
  4. Set out any special requirements. Use this section to tell the Tribunal about anything that affects how you will participate. That might include physical access needs, sensory considerations, a learning difficulty, a need for breaks, or support with communication. The Tribunal can only make adjustments if it knows about them in advance, so do not leave this blank if something applies.
  5. Sign, date and submit the form. Finish by printing your name, signing and dating the form. Send it back to the Tribunal by the deadline stated in your directions, and make sure the Local Authority also receives a copy. Keep a copy for yourself so you have a record of what you told the Tribunal about attendance.

Common questions

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Common questions

Q Who uses Form SEND11YP rather than the parent version?
SEND11YP is the version for young people running their own SEND appeal or claim, usually those aged 16 or over but under 25 who have chosen to bring the case themselves. If a parent is the appellant, a different attendance form is used. The decision about who brings the appeal depends on whether the young person has the capacity to make that choice and wants to take it on personally.
Q Do I have to bring a representative or helper?
No. You are entitled to attend on your own if you prefer. However, SEND hearings can be demanding, and many young people find it useful to have someone alongside them, whether that is a legal representative, an advocate from a charity such as IPSEA or SOS!SEN, or a trusted adult. If you do bring anyone, their details need to go on the form so the Tribunal knows in advance.
Q How many witnesses can I call?
The form itself provides space for up to three witnesses, which is generally enough for most SEND appeals. If you want to bring more, you may need to ask the Tribunal for permission in advance. Quality matters more than quantity: a small number of witnesses who know you well and can speak directly to the issues usually carries more weight than a long list.
Q What counts as a special requirement?
Anything that affects your ability to take part in the hearing fairly. That includes wheelchair access, hearing loops, a quiet room, extra breaks, support with reading or writing, sensory adjustments for autism, or assistance from a communication supporter. Be specific about what you need, because vague descriptions can be harder for the Tribunal to act on.
Q When do I need to return the form?
The Tribunal will set a deadline in the directions sent out with your case. Missing the deadline can cause problems, for example, witnesses may be refused entry or special requirements may not be arranged in time. If you are running late, contact the Tribunal office as soon as possible and explain why, rather than simply not submitting it.
Q Can I change the details after I have sent the form?
Yes, but you should tell the Tribunal and the Local Authority as soon as possible if anything changes, such as a witness dropping out or a new representative taking over. Late changes close to the hearing date can be awkward, particularly for witnesses, so aim to send an updated version in writing as soon as you know something is different.
Q Is the hearing held in public?
SEND Tribunal hearings are usually held in private, given the personal nature of the issues involved. Only people connected with the case, including those listed on attendance forms, will normally be present. This is one reason the form matters: it confirms to the Tribunal who has a legitimate reason to be in the room on the day.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

Sources

This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.

Brad Askew, Solicitor (non-practising)

Written & reviewed by

Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)

Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice. LegalDocuments.co.uk is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.

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Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.