Intuition provides free mediation for parents/carers, schools and the LA when there is a disagreement about a child's special educational needs or how those needs are being met.
Mediation is a widely used private dispute resolution process in which a neutral person (the mediator) helps parties reach an agreement without having to go to court or a tribunal.
The professional mediator assists the parties in identifying issues and communicating effectively. However he does not decide the issues and has no power to impose a settlement on either party.
Mediation is a voluntary process. All parties agree to take part, agree on who will act as mediator and agree on any solution reached during the mediation process. There is no commitment to reach a settlement - if any party is unhappy at any point they can walk out.
Mediation is confidential and without prejudice to parents' rights to appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal. (For more information about the tribunal please see the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal page of the Special Educational Needs section of this website).
Back to top What can mediation offer?The mediator will be an independent and impartial person with no involvement in the case. The parties must agree on the choice of mediator. The mediator will be a skilled person trained in working with people to help them resolve disagreements. The mediator will ask the right questions, create the right environment and manage the structure of the day.
Back to top Do you need legal representation?No. Mediation is an informal process so legal representatives do not take part. However parents can take someone along to support them and the Parent Partnership can identify someone to provide this support if desired.
Back to top Where will the mediation take place?The mediation will take place at a venue in Ealing.
Copyright © Ealing Parent Partnership 2008