Dispute resolution
When we reach a decision about your child’s Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment or plan we will send you a letter on your rights of appeal:
- Your right to appeal the decision
- The time limits to appeal
- Information about mediation services and how to contact the service
- The availability of disagreement resolution services
- Information and advice about matters relating to the special educational needs of children and young people.
We aim to resolve any disputes as soon as possible. If you are unhappy about a decision please contact the SEND Team or your caseworker.
Email: SEND@warrington.gov.uk
Telephone: 01925 442978
Mediation
Mediation is a confidential process used to settle disputes.
It involves an independent person, called a mediator, to help talk through the issues and come to an agreeable solution.
This is a voluntary process, which we can use if we are unable to reach an agreement with you about your child’s EHC needs assessment or plan.
Mediation can take place after the following decisions have been made:
- Not to carry out an EHC needs assessment
- Not to issue an EHC plan after the needs assessment
- Not to amend an EHC plan
- Not to change your child’s school place
- To cease to maintain an EHC plan
Mediation must be considered before you submit an appeal to the First Tier Tribunal. You do not have to attend the mediation meeting with the council.
If you are not interested, you can explain the reasons to the mediator, who will then give you a mediation certificate. You will need this certificate to appeal to the tribunal.
We use Kids Mediation for mediation in Warrington.
Appeals to the First Tier Tribunal
Appeals against the council’s decisions can be made to the government’s First Tier Tribunal, including when we have refused to:
- Assess your child’s needs
- Reassess their needs
- Issue an EHC plan
- Change what is in your child’s EHC plan
- Maintain the EHC plan
Useful links: