SEFTON PARENT PARTNERSHIP

Do you have a disagreement? 

Sometimes parents do not agree with the decision or provisions made by schools or local education authorities (LEA) for their child's special educational needs (SEN). Parent Partnership and local voluntary organizations are often able to help at an early stage.

The greater Merseyside Mediation Service provides an independent disagreement resolution service for parents of children with Special Educational Needs, local education authorities and schools

Using this service does not affect parents' right to appeal to the SEN and disability Tribunal (SENDIST). The service can be used at any time during a disagreement.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is an increasingly successful way of sorting out disagreements. In mediation the people involved in the dispute work together to reach an acceptable solution, with the help of a mediator.

The mediator is an independent facilitator who has had special training. The mediator does not take sides and does not give advise or make judgements. The mediator manages discussions fairly to help people to communicate and explore options. The mediator has no benefit from the outcome.

The child's needs and interests are always kept at the heart of the discussion.

Does Mediation Work?

Statistics show that mediation is 80% successful. The success rate is due to some key principles:

• Participation is voluntary for all parties, and parties can leave at any stage.
• The service is confidential.
• All parties seek a solution to the disagreement.
• The mediator is, and is seen to be, independent and neutral.
• The parties have agreed to the choice of facilitator.
• All parties have the authority to be able to settle the disagreement.
• It is the parties' agreements, not the mediators'.
• The process does not prejudice any rights to take issue further, e.g. to the SEN and Disability tribunal.

Who can access the service?

All parents whose child has a Special Educational Need and who are attending early years/ primary/ secondary provision.

How do I contact Greater Merseyside SEN mediation Service?

Please contact us on the special Greater Merseyside SEN Mediation Service Phone number:

07983689190