In April 2018, the Department for Education began a national trial to extend the powers of the SEND Tribunal to hear appeals, and make non-binding decisions about, health and social care aspects of Education, Health and Care plans. The Trial was due to end on 31st August 2020.
However, given the pressures local areas and families are under as a result of coronavirus, Vicky Ford (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families), announced on 18th June 2020 that the Department for Education are extending the Trial until 31 August 2021.