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Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Monday, 2 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Special Educational Needs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to page 22 of her Department's consultation document entitled SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First, CP1509, how will mediation be used to resolve disputes more quickly.

Answer

Research shows that mediation can reduce the likelihood of disputes escalating to appeals, enabling families and local authorities to work collaboratively to resolve disagreements more quickly and collaboratively.

We are engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders, including families, local authorities, representative groups and providers, to identify what more can be done to raise awareness of mediation, address the barriers to effective mediation and share best practice. As a first step, we intend to improve mediation through clearer national guidance for families and professionals, and by supporting improved local authority compliance with existing duties.

Where early resolution is not possible, the special educational needs and disabilities tribunal will continue to act as an important legal backstop for key decisions about education, health and care plans.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
116984
Session
2024-26
Related items
Subjects
Special educational needs Mediation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk