Common Ground Mediation

Another interesting morning, at Children in Scotland conference,filled with workshops, information and important discussions. Meeting people and talking about our service & role from Additional Support Needs perspective

We support and promote a collaborative approach to problem solving. Mediation is voluntary & confidential.

Good open communication between parents/carers with children who have additional support needs and schools & the local authority is key to forming and maintaining positive relationships and partnerships. It is much easier to resolve or avoid potential problems by talking through the issues as early as possible. With this in mind, it is anticipated that these steps would have been taken to discuss the difficulties at a local level before considering independent mediation.

Getting feedback from participants is something we welcome. It is important we hear about people experiences, particularly as it's usually the first time they have participated in the mediation process which promotes a collaborative approach to problem solving.
Recent parental feedback , when asked- what worked well during mediation? Their response - " Taking turns & not feeling interrupted and fair & clear expectations; polite & respectful"

ASN mediation acknowledges the importance of good open communication between parents/carers,schools and the local authority. This is key to forming and maintaining positive relationships and partnerships. It is much easier to resolve or avoid potential problems by talking through the issues as early as possible. Dealing with disagreements can sometimes be difficult for people and they may require a more structured and independent mediation process.
A recent participant thoughts on their experience:
" Opinions were aired in a way that would not have been otherwise possible. Mediator was calm and controlled throughout the process and that put us more at ease"

Mediation is a positive option available, to parents/carers who has a child with additional support needs, when there is a disagreement, misunderstanding or conflict in relation to their education.

We always seek feedback after mediations. Parents comments:
" For us it felt like a good/calm initial step and gave us a chance to share our thoughts and information. The whole process felt really professional & supportive."

Resolving disagreements: Under the ASL Act, independent mediation services must be available in every local authority.
The local authorities must give you information about the service provider in your area. The service is free of charge for parents & carers.
Good open communication between parents & carers, schools and the local authority is key to forming and maintaining positive relationships and partnerships. Many difficulties with the school or local authority can be resolved at a local level and with this in mind steps should be taken to discuss the difficulties before considering independent mediation. Dealing with disagreements however can sometimes be difficult and it may be helpful to have a more structured mediation process.

The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 requires education authorities to have in place arrangements for independent mediation. Good open communication between parents/carers, schools and the local authority is key to forming and maintaining positive relationships. It is much easier to resolve or avoid potential problems by talking through the issues as early as possible.

We promote a collaborative approach to problem solving among parents,children,schools and educational services. ASN mediation is voluntary, confidential and an opportunity for change.

Strong feelings from parents.

'High risk' warning over number of East Lothian children with additional support needs A lack of support for children with additional support needs (ASN) is leading to youngsters being placed outside East Lothian for education, a new report has warned.

Disagreements can be stressful for everyone involved.
Local authorities in Scotland have in place arrangements for independent ASN mediation as a helpful option.The aim is to help reduce or resolve disputes between parents/carers and the authority or school regarding a child or young person who has additional support needs.
Good open communication between parents/carers, schools and the local authority is key to forming and maintaining positive relationships. It is much easier to resolve or avoid potential problems by talking through the issues as early as possible.With this in mind, it is anticipated that these steps would have been taken to discuss the difficulties at a local level before considering independent mediation.
Participants feedback "The process gave us a chance to really address concerns, we all listened, found talking about the difficulties helped and we got a way forward"