The Provision of Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Services

Westmorland and Furness Council has a statutory duty under the Children and Families Act 2014, to make arrangements to provide the opportunity of mediation and disagreement resolutions services to parent(s)/carer(s) of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and young people with SEND, who do not agree with local authority decisions, before they register an appeal with the First-tier Tribunal (SEND) ("the Tribunal") about a local authority decision. From 1st September 2014, these services were made available to parent(s)/Carer(s) and young people subject to an Education, Health and Care Plan. Local Authorities must have regard to the statutory legislation and guidance on mediation and disagreement resolution services as detailed in the following documents: • Children & Families Act 2014; • Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014; • Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years (SEND Code of Practice), January 2015