Mediation

Mediation is an informal way of trying to resolve disagreement with the local authority and/or the health commissioner.

There are various reasons why it could work for you, for example where…

• you would like an opportunity to properly discuss your issues and find out more about how the local authority (or health commissioner) reached their decision.
• you have some additional information or a new report you would like to share with the local authority.
• you believe the local authority missed some information provided during assessment or annual review.
• you believe further assessment is required to determine needs

However, this is a voluntary process and you should not feel pressured into mediation.

The first step would be to contact Anglia Care Trust on 01473 622888, to discuss whether you would like to use mediation and if you decide to, they will talk you through next steps.

If you decide it’s not for you, they will issue you with a certificate so that you can lodge an appeal, either within two months of the original decision letter from the local authority, or one month from the date of mediation or discussion, whichever is the later.

When a young person or parent chooses mediation, the local authority (or commissioning body) must take part and ensure this happens within 30 days of the request.

Anglia Care Trust will make arrangements for you to meet with the local authority (and/or health commissioner) at a time and place convenient to all parties.

The mediator (who will have some knowledge of SEND legislation) should:

• agree who needs to be there*
• clarify your issues and the nature of the disagreement
• try to obtain the views of your child

*Local authority and health commissioner representatives should be at a level where they are able to make decisions during the mediation meeting. (11.38, SEND Code of Practice 2015)

Ahead of the mediation meeting it would be helpful to:

• prepare a bullet point list of your issues and concerns, so you can easily reference
• think about any questions you have around why the local authority reached its decision, or is refusing your proposed changes
• highlight sections of reports to help you evidence your points
• gather any new information about your child that you would like to share with the local authority or health commissioner representative. (you may want to send this in advance to allow the opportunity for all parties to read)

It might be helpful to read our leaflets below…

Making Meetings Matter (PDF)

Refusal to assess (PDF)

At the meeting, the mediator will;

• Introduce all parties attending
• Read through an agreement and ensure all parties wish to sign and move forward with the meeting
• Confirm the role of the mediator
• Provide an overview of the issues to be discussed as presented
• Ensure all parties understand what is said and have an opportunity to discuss and ask questions
• Confirm agreed actions and issue a Mediation certificate

Signed agreements are then photocopied, agreed actions are typed and then sent to all parties attending.

If following mediation you have not been able to resolve your disagreement, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal (within two months of the original decision or one month from the mediation certificate whichever is the later).

Read our advice about appealing to the SEND Tribunal

Where agreement was reached at mediation the local authority 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 must issue the draft plan within 5 weeks and the finalised EHC plan within 11 weeks
• To change the name of a school in an EHC plan: they must issue the amended EHC Plan within 2 weeks
• To amend an EHC plan: they must issue the amended EHC Plan within 5 weeks