You should firstly speak to your Casework Officer to see if the disagreement can be resolved easily. You may like to have a meeting with your CWO and other professionals.
If we cannot come to an agreement, there are other options open to you.
The Disagreement Resolution Service
The Disagreement Resolution Service (DRS), provided by Together Trust, helps resolve disputes between parents and the Local Authority about the education of children and young people with special educational needs.
For further information, or to make a referral, you can telephone: 0161 283 4836 or email:
drs@togethertrust.org.uk
or write to the following address:
SEN Disagreement Resolution Service
The Together Trust Centre
Schools Hill
Cheadle
Cheshire
SK8 1JE
You can also visit their website: http//www.togethertrust.org.uk/
SEN & Disability Tribunal
Where parents disagree with the decisions of the Local Authority (LA), they have the right to appeal to the SEN and Disability Tribunal, which is an independent body.
Parents can appeal in the following circumstances:
- If the parents request the LA to carry out a formal assessment, but the LA refuses
- If the LA refuses to issue a statement following an assessment
- If the parents disagree with the contents of parts 2 ,3 or 4 of a statement
- If the LA refuses to change the school named in the statement
- If the LA refuses to re-assess a pupil
- If the LA decides to no longer maintain a statement
- If the LA does not amend the statement after re-assessment
The LA will keep parents informed about their right of appeal during the assessment process. More information is available on the Tribunal’s website.
