Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Services

This service is being is being recommissioned on behalf of the Children and Family Wellbeing directorate.

Cumberland Council is legally required under the Children and Families Act 2014 to provide mediation and disagreement resolution services for parents/carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

These services aim to resolve disputes before an appeal is lodged with the First-tier Tribunal (“the Tribunal”) about a local authority decision.

Supporting outcomes in relation to this and the Council’s Delivery Plan 2025-27 includes the following priorities:
• Improving outcomes for children and families
• Promoting health and wellbeing

The SEND mediation and disagreement resolution services must be free for parents/carers and young people to access. Accessing the services is voluntary but must be considered before parents/carers and young people appeal to a SEND tribunal.

These services are designed to help parents/carers and young people resolve disagreements with local authorities, schools, health providers and social care providers regarding Education, Health and Care needs assessments (EHC), plans and provision.

Disagreements can include the local authority’s or an education provider’s duties and provision, health and social care provision through the EHCP process and school exclusions for children with SEND.

Before a tribunal appeal is accepted, an independent mediation advisor will provide information on mediation. The parent/carer or young person must get a certificate from the service provider confirming they have considered mediation.

These services aim to resolve disputes before an appeal is lodged with the First-tier Tribunal (“the Tribunal”) about a local authority decision.

Parents/carers of children with SEND, who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and young people with SEND who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are eligible to receive these services.

The council proposes to enter into the contract for an initial period of three years with the successful tenderer. There are 2 optional extensions for up to 12 months each.

If the contract runs for the initial period only it will end on 31/03/2029. If the contract uses all of the optional extension periods it will end on 31/03/2031

The estimated total value of the contract over the total contract period (including any extension period) is a maximum value of £204166. but no guarantee is given as to the actual value of the contract.

Extensions are indicative only and the council does not guarantee these. Any extensions will be confirmed with successful suppliers.

All bids must be received electronically via The Chest by the closing date stated in the ITT.

Any clarifications about the tender must be sent via messaging on The Chest by the closing date stated in the ITT.