Mediation
Mediation is an independent mediation and disagreement resolution service, which is free of charge for parents/carers and young people. Mediation can help to settle disagreements between parents or young people and local authorities and schools or other education providers.
Kids London arrange mediation in H&F and can be contacted on KIDS London
03330 062835 (local call charge)
www.kids.org.uk 0207 359-3635
The provision of mediation and disagreement resolution is a statutory requirement for local authorities. It offers an alternative to a Tribunal hearing and is quicker and less formal. Mediation enables people to communicate better with each other, and it can help re-build relationships that have broken down.
If you after discussions with a mediator, you decide it is not for you, they will issue you a certificate, which enables you to appeal to SENDIST tribunal.
Mediation is specifically for decisions related to Education Health Care needs assessments and plans. Mediation only covers disagreements where your LA decides:
not to carry out an EHC needs assessment or a re-assessment
not to issue an EHC Plan once they have done an assessment
the contents of the EHC Plan (sections B, & F)
After an Annual Review or reassessment - not amending your child’s EHC Plan or ceasing to maintain your child’s EHC Plan.
You can also go to mediation about the health & social care elements of an EHC plan:
Mediation sessions usually last about 3 hours, are run by a trained & accredited Mediator & should take place at a time & place which is convenient to you.
Mediation is informal & try's to resolve disagreement. There are various reasons why it could work for you, for example where...
You would like an opportunity to properly discuss your issues & find out more about how the LA or health commissioner reached their decision.
You have some additional information or a new report you would like to share with the LA/CCG.
You believe the LA/CCG missed some information provided during assessment or annual review.
You believe further assessment is required to determine needs.
When you contact the mediator (who will have some knowledge of SEND law), they should:
clarify your issues & the nature of the disagreement
agree with you who needs to be there
discuss with you when & where the meeting could take place
Arrange the meeting & send invites, giving at least 5 working days’ notice.
The LA MUST take part & ensure this happens within 30 days of the request.
The LA representative MUST be at a level that can make decisions during the meeting.
The CCG MUST attend if there are issues with health content of the EHC plan.
At the meeting, the mediator will:
Confirm their role as the mediator & Introduce all parties attending
Read through an agreement, ensure all parties sign & then open the meeting
Provide an overview of the issues to be discussed
Ensure everyone understands what is said, has chance to discuss & ask questions
Keep the conversation focus on the outcomes for the child
Ensure agreed actions are SMART & issue a Mediation certificate
Signed agreements are photocopied & agreed actions are sent to all parties attending.
Where agreement is reached at mediation, the LA must comply with these legal timescales:
To carry out an EHC needs assessment: they must notify you within 2 weeks
To issue an EHC plan: they must issue the draft plan within 5 weeks & the final EHC plan within 11 weeks
To amend an EHC plan: they must issue the amended EHC Plan within 5 weeks
To change the name of a school in an EHC plan: they must issue the amended EHC Plan within 2 weeks
If following mediation you have not been able to resolve your disagreement, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal. You must do this within
2 months of the original decision or
1 month from the mediation certificate whichever is the later
*Mediation is without prejudice so anything agreed apart from overturning decision
If after you have spoken to a mediator, you decide it is not for you, they will issue you with a certificate so that you can lodge an appeal to SENDIST tribunal. You must lodge your appeal either within
2 months of the original decision letter from the LA, or
1 month from the date of mediation certificate, whichever is the latter.
MEDIATION TOP TIPS
Before the mediation meeting:
Talk to SENDIASS
Think about any questions you have around why the LA reached its decision. Highlight sections of the EHC plan & any reports to help you evidence your points. Include your child’s views;
Gather any new information about your child that you can share with the LA. Look at what LA were not aware of – if anything – is it relevant?
Prepare a bullet point list of your issues & concerns, so you can easily reference them during the meeting.
Remember what you are appealing against and prepare an opening piece (not an essay) about why you are appealing.
Ask the mediator to check that the LA representative has the authority to make decisions.
This is your appeal hearing, the ‘MEDIATION’ is between you & the LA &/or CCG, you can tell the mediator who you want to attend, & object to parties attending if they do not support you or have not been involved.
At the meeting:
Have your child’s views separate – their views & feelings are important & should be central
Approach mediation with an open mind – sometimes agreements made may not have been what you wanted but may be more appropriate and achieve the support or even more support for you child.
As it is voluntary you can leave at any time
Remember the mediation process is without prejudice so cannot be used as evidence for tribunal
Work with your SENDIAS caseworker, they know the law; they can offer advice & support in preparation, they can prompt & advise on agreements in the meeting.
We are here to help:
We offer free information, advice & support regarding mediation & SEND tribunal.
We can:
Discuss your options with you,
Help you prepare for mediation,
Attend mediation with you
Help you understand the mediation agreements.
Call us on 0203 886 0839 or Email info@hfsendiass.org.uk
We also have lots of information on our website www.hfsendiass.org.uk
Other sources of free information can be found at IPSEA. www.ipsea.org.uk