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Disagreement resolution


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.

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.

Types of disagreement covered

Disagreement resolution services will help resolve disagreements between yourself and:

  • the local authority (Hertfordshire County Council), the governing body of your child’s early years setting, nursery, school or college, or owner of the academy your child attends about how they are carrying out their education, health and care duties.
  • Your child’s early years setting, nursery, school or college about the special educational provision being made for your child (whether they have an EHCP or not).
  • Health care professionals and/ or the local authority about health or social care provision during EHC assessments or when EHCPs are being drawn up, reviewed or children or young people are being reassessed.

How to access the service

The KIDS SEND Disagreement Resolution Service is free of charge for parents, carers and young people. You can refer yourself by telephone, or email:


KIDS SEND Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service

0207  359 3635

mediationlondon@kids.org.uk

Once KIDS receives your referral, you'll be allocated a case worker. Most disagreement resolution meetings are arranged within 33 days of referral.

You can withdraw from the service at any time.

There's no requirement to use disagreement resolution services before using other complaints procedures and a decision to not use disagreement resolution has no effect on your right to go to tribunal.

Parents and young people can also access informal support in resolving disagreements through SENDIASS.

Page was last updated on: 02/01/2024 12:21:41

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