Mediation and Advice (Community Accord)

What is this service?

This is a statutory service required under the new SEND regulations. These state that parents or young people must approach an independent mediation service if they are considering taking an issue to tribunal.

Mediation is an informal method of resolving a difference without resorting to Tribunal. For mediation to take place, the differences must be specifically linked to decisions about EHC needs assessments and plans, including health and social care elements of EHC plans. Mediators work with parents or young people to understand the positions of all parties. This can be by telephone or face-to-face.

The mediator will then lead the parties through a process of conversations in a meeting which includes making proposals to resolve the differences. Agreements are made on the basis of these proposals. Parents or young people may choose to be supported by someone at the meetings.

Parents or young people are free to decline the service but they must have the conversation before they start tribunal proceedings.

Who is it for?

Parents or young people (through to age 25), Local Education Authorities (LEA’s), Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG’s), Parent Partnerships.

The age-range of 0-25 concerns the children or young people at the centre of the process. (The age range does not refer to parents or representatives of agencies who may taking part in this activity)

Outcomes for service users

  • Disputes resolved informally and in a timely fashion.
  • Agreement summaries drawn up on the basis of an understanding reached by parties.
  • Certificate of attendance at mediation issued to parents or young people attending mediation.
  • Parents and young people able to make an informed decision.

Who to contact

Telephone
01274 223313 01274 223313
E-mail
info@communityaccord.com
Website
www.communityaccord.com
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Where to go

Name
Community Accord
Address
Unit 41, Carlisle Business Centre
Carlisle Road
Bradford
Postcode
BD8 8BD
View BD8 8BD on a map
Notes

The above address is our main office address. Peter will arrange a meeting at a mutually convenient location for Redbridge residents.

Time / Date Details

When is it on
9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. The service operates throughout the year excluding bank holidays. Evening service by arrangement.

Other Details

Details
As per contract with London Borough of Redbridge

Availability

Age Ranges
Under 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Referral required
Referral Details

How to access this service: By email or telephone

Referral required following receipt of ‘Mediation Advice’ certificate from parent or young person by LEA/CCG.

Waiting period.

  • Initial contact with parties within five (5) working days of referral.
  • Mediation meeting to have taken place within one month of referral.
  • Mediation agreement summaries issued to parties within five (5) working days of mediation meeting.
  • Mediation certificate of attendance issued within three (3) working days of case closure by medition service.

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