Selma’s story
Selma is a girl with Down’s syndrome. Her parents wanted her entry to Reception deferred by one year due to her delayed development. When the Local Authority (LA) refused, they contacted Kids’ Mediation service.
Reaching out to our Mediation service
Selma’s parents contacted Kids to seek help in resolving the disagreement. They were distressed and very worried. The mediator put the parents at their ease and helped them express the specific concerns they had about how their daughter would cope in Reception. The parents explained that Selma was not yet toilet trained and had very little speech. They felt that their daughter was being set up to fail if she was forced to go into Reception before she was ready.
Arranging a disagreement resolution meeting
A disagreement resolution meeting was arranged by Kids at a date and time suitable for all parties.
The LA representatives attending the meeting had authority to settle. This was key. It meant that the parties could reach agreements on the day and not have to refer back to a Panel. The LA listened to the parents concerns and gained a deeper understanding of the day to day difficulties Selma was experiencing. The meeting provided a confidential, calm and neutral forum to discuss highly emotional and sensitive issues.
The outcome
The Local Authority looked afresh at the situation and agreed to defer entry to Reception. The parents were very happy with the resolution and felt that Kids’ disagreement resolution service helped to place Selma’s needs at the centre of the discussions.
Check out our mediation service
We help families resolve disputes with the local authority or health service.
Our service is free of charge for families and is for children and young people aged 0 – 25 with SEND or who may have SEND.