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SEND Mediation: Guidance for Young People

Learn what SEND mediation is, how it works and what to expect with some easy-to-follow videos and an Easy Read guide.

Sometimes you and your parent carer might not agree with the local authority about the support you should get. SEND mediation is a way to talk things through. A mediator helps everyone talk, listen to each other and try to reach an agreement.

This page has 2 videos and a guide to explain how mediation works, what to expect and where you can get more support. These videos were made with help from young people.

Video 1: Some words you might not know

There are lots of words and phrases used in SEND that can be confusing. This short video explains some of the words used in our video guide to SEND mediation.

Video 2: Guide to SEND Mediation

This video explains what SEND mediation is and what happens at mediation.

Easy Read Guide

This Easy Read guide explains SEND mediation using simple language and pictures. You can download as a PDF or Microsoft Word doc by clicking the button below.

Download Easy Read Guide (Word doc)
Download Easy Read Guide (PDF)

Appealing a Decision

If mediation doesn’t sort out the disagreement, you may be able to appeal to the SEND tribunal.

The SEND tribunal is independent and looks at appeals about some SEND decisions made by your local authority.

To find out more and fill in a SEND tribunal appeal form, go to the tribunal service website.

Find Out More

These resources are from the Civil Mediation Council and College of Mediators.