How to resolve a disagreement about additional support in Scotland

Start with the exact problem

Write down what decision, action or failure you disagree with and what outcome you want. Different problems go to different routes, so being specific prevents time being lost on the wrong process.

Mediation

Mediation is voluntary and confidential. Education authorities must provide access to independent mediation free of charge for parents and young people for relevant disagreements under the 2004 Act. Using mediation does not remove other rights.

Independent adjudication

Dispute resolution, commonly called independent adjudication, uses an independent person to review the written evidence and make recommendations. Scottish guidance says it is generally used for specified matters outside the Tribunal’s remit.

First-tier Tribunal for Scotland

The Tribunal can consider particular statutory matters, including certain CSP decisions, some placing-request cases and specified transition failures. It is not a general complaints body for every school concern.

What to collect before escalating

• the decision letter or unanswered request
• a chronology of what happened
• the child’s support plan and relevant reports
• emails and meeting notes
• a short statement of the outcome you are asking for