Frequently Asked Questions
1) Who is Community Accord?
Community Accord is based in Bradford, West Yorkshire. We are the largest community mediation service in the UK, dealing with hundreds of complex disputes and disagreements every year. We are completely independent and committed to giving you the best possible service.
2) Who should participate in SEN mediation?
Parent(s)/Carer(s) must attend the mediation and have the authority to settle the dispute. Parent(s) / Carer(s) are encouraged to bring a supporter to the mediation session. This person might be a Parent Partnership Officer, a friend, or a relative.
LEA Representative who has the authority to settle the dispute. This means that the officer representing the LEA has the authority to make agreements on the issues brought to the session without reference to a senior colleague or panel.
School Representatives, as the issues involving SEN are ones in which the school has an important role. It is therefore essential that schools, in particular Head teachers and SENCos, are invited to participate in mediation where appropriate.
3) Are mediation sessions confidential?
Yes, unless the parties agree otherwise, the content of the mediation session is confidential and is conducted without prejudice to any proceedings of the SEN Tribunal. The only public documents arising from a mediation session are those agreed by the parties at the meeting. The one exception to confidentiality is where an issue relating to child protection emerges.
4) How does mediation affect my right to use the SEN Tribunal?
Taking part in mediation does not in any way affect your right of appeal to the SEN Tribunal.
5) Does mediation replace the Parent Partnership Officer?
The important role played by Parent Partnership Officers is not compromised by mediation. Many Parent Partnership Officers already bring to their work the skills of mediation and they will continue to do so. Community Accord will complement the work of the Parent Partnership Officer by acting as a third party with no prior knowledge of the case and no interest, beyond the mediation session, in the outcome.
