What's involved for Parents
Help and Support
Submitting a reference does not mark the end of discussion between the parties; both parties should continue to seek to reach an agreement wherever possible.
The Act requires authorities to make mediation services available without charge. If parties take up this service, a hearing may prove unnecessary or it may be that some disputed issues are resolved and the hearing becomes more focussed. The conference call procedure is designed to try and ensure that only those cases where there is dispute between parties which cannot be resolved without a hearing come before the Tribunal.
Enquire, the national advice service for additional support for learning, is able to provide details of local support groups and relevant specialist organisations. There are a number of organisations that can help parents prepare for a Tribunal and in some cases attend as their representative. Enquire will be able to provide you with details of these organisations.
The Tribunal staff can advise and answer questions about the process but it is not appropriate for them to advise parties how they should present their case or give a view on the outcome of a reference. If you have an enquiry about the process, please call our helpline on 0845 120 2906.
There is a database of anonymised decisions on our website. This should provide information about the range and type of issues which have come before the Tribunal and the sort of evidence which is usually considered.
Special Requirements
If English is not the language you generally use you may make a reference in your own language and we will arrange for the documents to be translated. We will also arrange for an interpreter to attend the hearing. Generally the Tribunal will not proceed with a relative or friend as an interpreter.
If you require to make a reference in Braille, need a sign language interpreter at the hearing or need special arrangements to enable you to come to the hearing, you should tell us as soon as possible so that we can make suitable arrangements.