Mediation is also a voluntary process for parents/carers and young people, which can be used if you cannot reach an agreement in matters relating to EHC Plans. The service only covers disagreements you might have in the following circumstances:
- Where the LA decides not to carry out an EHC needs assessment or re-assessment
- Where the LA decides not to draw up an EHC Plan, once they have completed an assessment
- Where the LA decides not to amend an EHC Plan after the annual review or re-assessment
- Where the LA decides to cease to maintain an EHC Plan
- Where the LA has drawn up an EHC Plan, mediation is available if you disagree with:
- The parts of the plan which describe your child's special educational needs
- Where the LA has drawn up an EHC Plan, mediation is available if you disagree with:
- The special educational provision set out in the plan
The LA provides access to an independent mediation advisor who you will need to contact for information about mediation if you wish to go to mediation or are thinking about appealing to the SEND Tribunal. If you decide to go to a mediation meeting, the mediation adviser will inform the LA who will meet you within 30 days.
The mediation service is run by an independent mediator who has accredited training. We aim to ensure that this is at a place and time that is convenient to you and will arrange this with you. You can bring a friend, adviser or advocate to support you. When the mediation has finished the mediation adviser must issue a certificate within 3 working days. You will need this certificate if you wish to register an appeal to the SEND Tribunal. You can also go to mediation about the social care and health parts of an EHC Plan. To do this you must tell the LA that you are unhappy with these parts of the plan. Please notify Special Educational Needs Assessment and Review Team (SENART) by phone on 01924 302465 or email SENART@wakefield.gov.uk
Within Wakefield the SEN Mediation Service is provided via Collis Mediation Ltd who can be contacted on 07715 958290 or email info@collismediationltd.com. You can find out more about this service here.