Disagreement Resolution is an informal, voluntary process designed to resolve any SEND-related disagreements, at any stage – not just those related to EHC Plan appeals. While similar to mediation, DR applies more broadly. Unlike mediation, which requires a Local Authority (LA) to attend, DR is voluntary for all parties. Therefore, an LA may decline a request to participate. See sections 11.5-11.38 of the SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years for further information about the differences. We’ll help you determine which service is right for your situation.
From a service perspective, DR mirrors mediation. After an initial conversation to discuss the process and suitability, a joint session takes place, following the five-stage format outlined under ‘The Mediation Session’ (refer to the previous section for details about the mediation session).
