Explain

Disagreement resolution service

Every council must arrange a disagreement resolution service, run by people who are independent of the council. It can help settle disagreements about special educational needs, including ones that cannot be appealed. These can be with the council, a school or college, or another body. Using it is a choice. It is separate from mediation before an appeal, and it does not change the time limit for an appeal.

Type of rule

Law (Act or Regulations)

Rule id

disagreement_resolution

Rules version

england-2026.10

Law as at

30 September 2026

Sources

• Children and Families Act 2014, s 57Law (Act or Regulations)
• Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (HESC Chamber) Rules 2008, r 20(1)(c)Law (Act or Regulations)

Related

• Mediation
• SENDIASS (information, advice and support service)
• The time limit to appeal

In an assistant, the ehcp_challenge_options tool helps with this: Ways to challenge a decision.

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