Mediation and conflict resolution

Mediation: special educational needs (SEN)

Authorities must have plans in place to avoid, or resolve, disputes about SEN between parents and schools. This also applies for disagreements between parents and the authority. There are regional mediation services, that aim to resolve disputes without having to go to SENDIST. The contact details for regional SEN mediation services are available from SENDIST.

Conflict resolution (Disability discrimination)

If you wish to seek conflict resolution on a disability discrimination claim to avoid having to go to a tribunal, you can contact the Independent Panel for Special Education Advice (IPSEA) for mediation. If the suspected discrimination was against a young person over 16, the Equality and Human Rights Commission provides a conciliation service, which will try to help resolve the dispute. You can consult a mediation or conciliation service at any time before deciding whether to take the claim to a tribunal, or even while you are waiting for the tribunal to deal with your case. If your disagreement is about SEN, you should contact your regional SEN mediation service, whose contact details are available from SENDIST.