Reaching agreement about Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support
If you have concerns about your child or young person's SEN Support in education, talk to their place of learning in the first instance. They will want to hear your views. You and your child or young person should be involved in decisions being made about their SEN Support. If you're unable to reach an agreement:
Unable to reach an agreement with your child or young person's place of learning?
You can:
- Try disagreement resolution. In Norfolk, disagreement resolution is delivered by Anglia Care Trust (ACT), which is an independent organisation. It is a free service
- Contact Norfolk SEND information, advice and support services (SENDIASS). They provide a free, impartial and confidential information, advice and support service on SEN and disabilities. They also advise on health and social care, where it is linked to education
- Contact our SEND and inclusion support line
- Contact one of the many other organisations offering information and advice
What is disagreement resolution?
Disagreement resolution helps address disagreements related to any SEND provision at any time or at any point in a process or provision, including those not related to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
It can involve various approaches, including mediation, but also includes other methods like facilitated discussions or negotiation.
Disagreement resolution is a formal process where councils, schools, parents, and carers and other organisations meet to find a solution to a difference of opinion.
Agreements reached through disagreement resolution may not be legally binding but can help to resolve issues and narrow down the scope of disputes.
Who can request disagreement resolution?
- Parents/carers
- Young people
- Educational settings
- Health department
- We can (the local authority)
All parties need to agree to take part in disagreement resolution, as it is a voluntary process. It is a confidential service unless there are child protection or vulnerable adult issues.
