Updated Practice Directions – Preparation of Bundles

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Some new rules are starting for SEND Tribunal hearings that happen after the 15th of July, 2025. These rules are about the papers you give to the Tribunal, like reports and witness statements. The Tribunal will expect this Practice Direction to be followed and will look to enforce these rules.

Here’s a summary of what you need to know:

Expert Reports (from professionals like psychologists or therapists)

• The report must be short (no more than 15 pages)
• It must have a short summary at the start (2 pages maximum)
• It must be easy to read (typed, clear writing, size 12 font)
• It must be recent (not older than 3 years unless there’s a special reason)

If you ask a professional to write a report, please ensure they follow these rules.

Witness Statements (from people who will speak at the hearing)

• If someone is going to speak at the hearing, they must write a witness statement
• The statement must be no longer than 10 pages (unless there’s a good reason)
• It must be signed and dated
• It must be easy to read (typed, clear writing, size 12 font)

Working Document (a paper showing what both sides agree or disagree on)

• This paper must be no longer than 25 pages
• It shows what the parents and the local authority agree on, and what they don’t
• The Tribunal will only talk about what’s written in this paper

Bundles (all the papers for the hearing)

• The local authority must put all the papers together in a bundle
• They must follow the rules to make sure the bundle is correct
• There are bundle page limits that must be adhered to. If you need more then you need to request permission from the tribunal

If you want to read the full rules, you can do so here SEND Tribunal Practice Directions.

Further links and resources