For parents heading to EHCP mediation
Mediation Support
For parents whose child's final Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) has been issued after an amendment and still is not right, and who are preparing for mediation with the local authority.
When this helps
The final plan has arrived and it still is not right
Most parents who book Mediation Support are in one of these positions:
- The final plan has been issued after an amendment, but sections are still vague or wrong.
- You disagree with the support set out in Section F, or with the school or setting named in Section I.
- You have felt outnumbered in meetings with the local authority and want someone experienced beside you.
- You have been told to contact a mediation adviser and want to go in properly prepared.
Section B of the plan describes your child's needs, Section F sets out the support they must receive, and Section I names the school or setting.
What mediation is
Mediation is a meeting where a mediator brings you and the local authority together to try to resolve a disagreement about the plan, without going to the SEND Tribunal. It is confidential, and usually quicker than a tribunal.
It works best when you arrive knowing exactly what you are asking for and why the evidence supports it. That is what this service is for.
What's included
Prepared before, beside you on the day, clear afterwards
- A review of the final plan against the evidence, section by section, so you know which points are strongest
- Your points prepared in writing, with the wording you are asking the local authority to put in the plan
- A preparation call before the mediation to agree your priorities and how the meeting will run
- Claire attending the mediation meeting with you
- A written summary afterwards of what was agreed, who is doing what, and what to check for next
Price
Mediation Support
£495
Fixed fee
One price for everything listed here: the plan and evidence review, your written points and requested wording, the preparation call, Claire at the mediation meeting, and the written summary afterwards. No hourly rates.
How it works
From first message to after the meeting
01
Get in touch
Tell Claire where you are: when the final plan arrived, what you disagree with, and whether a mediation date is set. She will reply within two working days.
02
Send the plan and evidence
Share the final plan, the previous version, and the reports it should be based on. Claire reviews them and prepares your points and requested wording.
03
Have your prep call
Talk it through together, agree what matters most, and decide how you want to share the speaking on the day.
04
Mediation and afterwards
Claire attends the meeting with you. Afterwards you receive a written summary of what was agreed and the next steps.
What this service is
Guidance and advocacy support, not legal advice
This is guidance and advocacy support, not legal advice or legal representation. Claire is not a solicitor. She can help you prepare, attend mediation with you as your supporter and help you put your case clearly, but she cannot act for you in a legal sense or tell you whether a plan meets the legal test.
Nobody can promise how mediation will turn out. What preparation does is make sure your points are heard, backed by the evidence, and written down.
Common questions
Questions parents often ask
Do I have to go to mediation before a tribunal appeal?
In most cases you must at least consider it. Before you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal you need to contact the mediation service and get a mediation certificate, even if you decide not to go ahead with mediation itself. The exception is an appeal that is only about the school or setting named in Section I of the plan. Your decision letter should explain how to contact the mediation service.
Can Claire speak in the mediation meeting?
Yes. The rules for SEND mediation allow you to bring an advocate or supporter of your choice, and Claire attends in that role. The mediator chairs the meeting. Before the day you agree together how you want it to run: some parents prefer to lead and have Claire add detail, others want Claire to put the main points. Either way she is there as your supporter, not as your legal representative.
Is mediation online or in person?
The mediation service arranges the meeting and will tell you the format. Once you know the date and how it is being held, Claire will confirm how she will attend.
What if mediation does not resolve it?
You receive a mediation certificate at the end, and you need it if you still want to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. Appeals have a deadline, so check it as soon as mediation ends. Mediation can also settle some points and not others, and the written summary will set out which is which. If you decide to appeal, Tribunal Preparation Support is the next step.
How soon should I get in touch?
As soon as you have the final plan and know you disagree with it, ideally before the mediation date is set, so the preparation is not rushed. If the date is already close, get in touch anyway. Claire will tell you honestly whether there is enough time.
If mediation does not settle it
What comes next
Heading to mediation?
Send a short message with where you are and any dates you know. Claire will reply within two working days. If mediation does not resolve things, Tribunal Preparation Support is the next step.
Get in touch