SEND Mediation
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Educational, Health and Care (EHC) Assessment of Needs and Plans
SEND Mediation
The vision for all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities is the same as for all children and young people-
"That they achieve well in their early years, at school and in college; and lead happy, independent and fulfilled lives".
About Collis Mediation Ltd
Collis Mediation Ltd is an independent provider of SEND mediation and disagreement resolution services. We support parents, young people, local authorities, education settings, health bodies and other organisations to resolve disagreements constructively and focus on positive outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Our mediators are experienced professionals who understand both the SEND legal framework and the practical realities of education, health and care decision-making. We are committed to providing an impartial, accessible and child-centred service that helps participants communicate effectively and explore solutions together.
When disagreements arise about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the process can feel stressful, confusing and overwhelming. Parents, young people and professionals often care deeply about achieving the right outcome but have different views about the best way forward.
SEND mediation provides a safe, independent and supportive environment in which those conversations can take place.
At Collis Mediation Ltd, we help people have constructive discussions, improve understanding and explore practical solutions. Many families tell us that simply having the opportunity to speak directly with decision-makers, ask questions and be listened to makes a significant difference.
What is SEND Mediation?
SEND mediation is an independent process that brings together parents or young people and representatives from a local authority, and where appropriate health or social care services, to discuss areas of disagreement.
The discussion is facilitated by a trained, independent mediator. The mediator does not take sides, make decisions or tell anyone what outcome should be reached. Their role is to help everyone communicate effectively, understand each other's perspectives and explore possible ways forward.
Mediation provides a structured opportunity for:
- Everyone to explain their views
- Questions to be asked and answered
- Areas of misunderstanding to be clarified
- Different options to be explored
- Agreements to be reached where possible
The discussion remains focused on the child or young person, the issues in dispute and the possible ways forward.
If agreement is reached, the agreed actions will be recorded clearly in writing so that everyone understands what has been agreed and what happens next.
Why Choose Mediation?
Families often tell us that mediation provides opportunities that are not available through written correspondence alone.
Mediation can:
- Improve communication and understanding
- Give everyone the opportunity to be heard
- Help reduce conflict and tension
- Clarify misunderstandings and areas of concern
- Identify practical solutions
- Resolve issues more quickly than formal legal proceedings
- Preserve working relationships wherever possible
- Reduce stress and uncertainty for children, young people and families
Parents and young people are welcome to bring someone with them for support if they wish.
Where appropriate, and with suitable support arrangements in place, the views of the child or young person will also be included in the process.
Do I Have to Take Part in Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process for parents and young people.
Before most SEND Tribunal appeals can be registered, parents or young people must speak with an independent mediation adviser and consider whether mediation may help. The adviser will explain the process and answer any questions.
Please see our Mediation and Appeal Information Video
here and below the video are downloadable alternative formats, such as ‘Easy Read’.
You do not have to participate in mediation. If you decide not to mediate, the mediation adviser will issue a mediation certificate, where appropriate. For most SEND Tribunal appeals, that certificate will be required before an appeal can be registered.
Where the appeal concerns only the school or placement named in an EHC plan, a mediation certificate is not required before the appeal can be registered.
What Issues Can Mediation Help With?
Many families choose mediation because they would like an opportunity to resolve issues collaboratively before considering Tribunal proceedings.
SEND mediation can help with disagreements relating to:
- EHC needs assessments
- EHC reassessments
- Decisions not to issue an EHC Plan
- Decisions not to amend an EHC Plan
- The special educational needs described in an EHC Plan
- The educational provision specified in an EHC Plan
- School or placement decisions
- Health provision included in an EHC Plan
- Social care provision included in an EHC Plan
- Decisions to cease maintaining an EHC Plan
Some families are surprised to learn that mediation remains available even where the disagreement relates only to placement. The Children and Families Act 2014 includes placement decisions within the matters that may be appealed and mediated (s51 & s52)
What Happens During a Mediation?
Every mediation is different because every family and every disagreement is different.
However, the process usually includes:
Before the mediation
Our Single Point of Access Team will provide an explanation of the process, opportunities for the participants, contributors, and duty holders to share information, clarify attendees, and identify any support or reasonable adjustments that may be required.
During the mediation
The mediator will:
- Explain how the process works.
- Set out the ground rules.
- Ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak.
- Help clarify the issues.
- Facilitate respectful discussion.
- Explore options and potential solutions.
- Help participants identify areas of agreement.
The mediator will not decide who is right or wrong. Their role is to support constructive conversations and help participants find their own solutions wherever possible.
After the mediation
If agreements are reached, these will usually be recorded in writing and provided to the participants.
If some or all issues remain unresolved, participants will be provided with neutral information about the available routes for taking matters forward and signposted to relevant sources of advice and support where appropriate.
Is Mediation Confidential?
Mediation is generally a confidential process.
Participants are encouraged to speak openly and honestly so that concerns can be explored constructively, and solutions can be identified where possible.
The mediator will explain the confidentiality arrangements, including any relevant exceptions such as safeguarding concerns or legal obligations to disclose information.
If an agreement is reached, it will normally be recorded in writing and shared with the participants.
What If We Do Not Reach Agreement?
Not every mediation results in a full agreement, and that is completely normal.
Sometimes agreement is reached on some issues but not others. Sometimes mediation helps everyone understand the disagreement more clearly, even if a final resolution is not achieved on the day.
Where matters remain unresolved, parents and young people retain their legal rights, including the right to pursue an appeal at Tribunal where applicable.
Many families tell us that mediation was worthwhile because it provided clarity, answered important questions and improved communication, even when not all issues were resolved.
What is Disagreement Resolution?
Disagreement resolution is another independent process that can help resolve SEND-related disagreements.
It is similar to mediation but can be used in a wider range of circumstances, including situations where there may not be an immediate right of appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Disagreement resolution may help with concerns involving:
- Schools or colleges.
- Local authorities.
- Health services.
- Social care services.
- EHC assessment processes.
- The implementation of support.
- Placement issues.
- Ongoing SEND provision.
Participation is voluntary for all parties.
The team at Collis Mediation Ltd can help you understand whether mediation or disagreement resolution is the most appropriate route for your circumstances.
Supporting Young People
Young people have an important voice in decisions that affect their lives.
At Collis Mediation Ltd, we are committed to ensuring that our services are accessible, inclusive and responsive to individual needs. We will discuss any communication preferences, participation needs or reasonable adjustments before the mediation takes place.
Our aim is to help young people participate in a way that feels comfortable, meaningful and supportive.
Why Choose Collis Mediation Ltd?
Collis Mediation Ltd specialises in SEND mediation and disagreement resolution.
We understand that disagreements about education, health and care can be highly important and deeply personal. Our experienced mediators provide a professional, independent and supportive service designed to help people move forward constructively.
Our approach is based on:
- Independence and impartiality
- Respectful communication
- Child and young person-centred practice
- Accessibility and inclusion
- Professional standards
- Practical, solution-focused support
We believe that the best outcomes are often achieved when people have the opportunity to talk openly, listen carefully and work together towards solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. Parents and young people are welcome to bring a supporter, advocate, friend or adviser to the mediation.
Will mediation delay a Tribunal appeal?
A Tribunal appeal can be lodged up to 30-days after the mediation processes is completed. Parents and young people should always consider the relevant deadlines carefully.
Can the child or young person attend?
Yes, where appropriate. We encourage the participation of children and young people wherever possible and will discuss the most suitable arrangements beforehand.
Is mediation online or in person?
Mediation is most often delivered online, or through a hybrid arrangement, however in a minority of cases in-person can be arranged depending on the circumstances and the needs of the participants.
What happens if we reach agreement?
Any agreements reached can be recorded in writing so that everyone has a clear understanding of the actions that have been agreed.
See our frequently asked questions video
here
Get in Touch
If you would like to know more about SEND mediation, disagreement resolution or the referral process, please contact Collis Mediation Ltd. Our team will be happy to explain the options available, answer any questions and help you understand the next steps.
Whether you are a parent, carer, young person, local authority representative, school, health professional or advocate, we are committed to providing a professional, accessible and supportive service focused on helping people move forward constructively.
