RESOLVE:ASL
What is mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process during which a neutral third person (a mediator) assists those involved in disagreement or dispute to work towards finding a mutually acceptable agreement.

• Mediation is a structured process to conflict resolution to empower all parties taking part
• Mediation seeks to provide a mutually acceptable and agreeable solution by way of facilitating negotiation by both parties
• The mediation process is confidential and not compulsory on either party
• Mediation is not about advocacy, which aims to speak on behalf of one party.
• Mediation is not about counselling, guidance or advice
• Mediation is not arbitration, no judgements are made by the mediator
• Mediation is about building trust and promoting open and honest communication between children, parents, schools and education providers in order to create positive ethos and environments for teaching and learning.

How can mediation help you?
The mediation process encourages communication, identifies issues, explores options and assists mutual problem solving. This promotes positive relationships and increases participation between parents, carers, schools and local authority education departments.

Increasing the involvement and understanding among the participants in the decision making process, building trust and improving the quality of relationship can successfully address conflict and disagreements.

What do you need to do to take part in mediation?
You need to be able to openly discuss the issues concerning your child°s education by bringing any information that is felt to be important/relevant to the process. You must also be prepared to listen to the views of the other parties involved.

What takes place in mediation?
Each person has the opportunity to express his/her concerns and talk about the needs of the child. Past, current and future plans will be discussed, but the goal will be to reach agreement on the most appropriate plan for the child.

Some issues suitable for mediation include

• Improving and repairing communication
• School placement
• Level of provision for a child with additional support needs
• Exclusion
• Transition of record of needs to co-ordinated support plans

Contact details
for this section:

Sandra Mitchell

Telephone:
0131 222 2456

Click here to send an email

or

Kath Paterson

Telephone:
0131 222 2430

Click here to send an email

Local Authorities
Download the Resolve:ASL flyer here.

Parents
Download the Resolve:ASL flyer here.

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