SENDIASS

Mediation

Information for young people

What is mediation?

Mediation is a meeting to help solve disagreements.
It is:

You don’t have to go to mediation — but you must speak to a mediation adviser first if you want to appeal in most cases.

 

When can you ask for mediation?

You can ask for mediation if you disagree with a decision from your local authority about your EHCP, such as:

How much time do I have?

You must ask for mediation within two months of the decision letter from your local authority.

 

The mediation certificate

You need a mediation certificate before you can register your appeal with the SEND Tribunal.

If you decide not to go to mediation, the mediator will give you a certificate. This gives you the right to appeal at SEND Tribunal.

If you go ahead with mediation, you will receive the certificate at the end of the mediation meeting, which gives you the right to appeal SEND Tribunal.

 

Do I have to go to mediation?

No, it’s your choice.

But you must consider mediation and contact the mediation adviser to either arrange the mediation meeting or collect your mediation certificate which gives you the right to appeal at SEND Tribunal.

 

How do I get help?

Ask your school, college, SENCO, or local SENDIASS how to contact a mediation adviser.
They can help you through the process.

 

What happens after mediation?

At the end of the mediation meeting, the mediator will produce a document with the outcome and any actions agreed with deadlines for each individual.

You will receive a copy of this along with the mediation certificate.

If you are not happy with the outcome from the mediation meeting, you can appeal to SEND Tribunal.

Check out our information page on appealing to SEND Tribunal.

 

If you are not happy with a decision about Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Read about how to appeal a SEN decision

 

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