The Together Trust disagreement resolution service is designed to help settle disagreements surrounding the provisions provided for a young person aged 0 to 25 years, with special educational needs.

What is the dispute resolution service?

Disagreement resolution applies to any aspect of special educational needs and disabilities regardless of whether or not your child or young person is being assessed for or has an education, health and care plan. It can be used at any time with the agreement of the parties involved.

What are the range of disagreements the dispute resolution service covers?

It includes disagreements relating to:

• The performance of duties.
   
• Any aspect of special educational needs provision.
   
• Health and social care disagreements during the processes related to an education, health and care needs assessment.

What happens at a dispute resolution meeting?

Dispute resolution meetings are arranged by involving key people in the disagreement (where possible) and are facilitated by trained, impartial SEND mediators, from Together Trust. 

Discussion surrounding the disagreement enables each party the opportunity to provide their views and also to listen to others. The mediator isn’t there to take sides or to make decisions, but to assist those present, to share individual views or concerns, ensuring that each person is heard. The mediator will encourage those present to problem solve together which can enable a way forward to resolve the situation. Meetings will usually last about two hours and are held as centrally as possible to all parties within a neutral venue.

Together Trust welcomes contact from parents or carers and professionals who are interested in their services. Their mediation co-ordinators are available to provide impartial and unbiased information and guidance about the dispute resolution service and to answer any questions that you may have to enable you to make an informed decision.

Who can use our service?

• Parents or carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities.
   
• Young people 16-25 years with special educational needs and disabilities.

Are there any costs?

The dispute resolution service is free to families and young people as they are funded by the local authority.

How do I refer?

To refer and for more information please:

Phone: 0161 283 4848

Email: drs@togethertrust.org.uk

Web: Together Trust mediation and dispute resolution service