KIDS SEND Mediation Service is an independent mediation and disagreement resolution service, which is free of charge for parents/carers and young people. Our service helps to settle disagreements between parents or young people and local authorities and schools or other education providers. These disputes are often about the special educational needs and disability (SEND) of children and young people, and how best to meet their needs.
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. Local authorities mostly base their decisions on written information provided to them by parents, the child or young person, the education provider and other agencies. They do not always have the opportunity to meet the child. A face-to-face mediation meeting helps “bring the child / young person out of the file”.
KIDS SEND Mediation Service has a panel of independent, experienced and specially trained mediators. Our mediators have a wide variety of professional backgrounds, are fully accredited and regularly briefed on special educational needs legislation and practice.
They are supported by our experienced managers, service co-ordinators and caseworkers.