The disagreement resolution service covers all children and young people with SEND, not just those who are being assessed for or have an education, health and care plan (EHCP). It's there to help resolve disagreements relating to SEND provision in a non-confrontational way through discussion.
What is disagreement resolution?
As a parent of a child or young person with SEND, you can ask for disagreement resolution at any time. The disagreement could be with your child's school, the local authority (Hertfordshire County Council), other education providers, or health professionals involved in your child or young person's education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment or EHCP for example.
Disagreement resolution offers an alternative to tribunal hearings and is often quicker and less formal. Used early enough it could prevent the need for mediation or further escalation.
The service is independent of the council and offers a voluntary and confidential way to resolve disagreements. Once you self- refer the service will contact the other party (or parties) involved to ask whether they are willing to take part.
Information:
Disagreement resolution meetings:
Are confidential and run separately to tribunals. If you decide later to go to tribunal the tribunal will disregard any comments or offers made during disagreement resolution meetings.
Meetings are conducted in the same way as mediation meetings and are managed by experienced SEND mediators.