SEND Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service

What is Mediation?

In most SEND disputes, everyone involved ultimately wants the best possible outcome for the child or young person with SEND. Disagreements can arise when there are differing views about what provision is needed to achieve that outcome. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential, and without‑prejudice process. It provides an opportunity for all parties to come together to discuss their concerns, views, and aspirations openly and honestly.

Mediation is an informal and non‑confrontational meeting that allows parents or young people to discuss their disagreement with the Local Authority about Education, Health and Care (EHC) decisions. Everything discussed during mediation is confidential and cannot be used later as evidence. This allows everyone involved to speak freely and work collaboratively towards resolving the disagreement.

You can find out more about SEND mediation from our provider here.

What is Disagreement Resolution?

In addition to a Mediation service, every Local Authority must provide access to a Disagreement Resolution Service (DRS) for parents, carers, and young people who have concerns about the support being provided and how it is delivered.

DRS is entirely voluntary for both parents, carers, or young people and the Local Authority. It can be requested for disputes involving children or young people with special educational needs (SEN), regardless of whether they have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Disagreement Resolution differs from Mediation. Mediation is intended to be used once a final decision has been made about specific aspects of an EHCP. In contrast, DRS can be used at any time, provided all parties agree to take part. This includes situations where an appeal has already been submitted for Tribunal.

DRS provides an early opportunity for everyone involved to discuss and address concerns about support. It focuses on resolving issues collaboratively, whether or not an EHC Plan is in place.

You can find out more about DRS from our providers  website.

This service is free for eligible families.

Mediatelegal is the local authorities agreed provider to deliver this service. They are accredited by the Civil Mediation Council to provide mediation services, including SEND mediation.

Please find their contact details below:

Please see below links for informative videos

Mediation and Disagreement Resolution overview: