The SEN Parent Partnership Service can help to prevent difficulties from developing into formal disagreements.

There are, inevitably, times when parents are confused about the SEN procedures, or when there are disagreements between parents and the LEA.

We give advice and support to parents at these times, and can get information for you, explain procedures or help you put your case to the LEA. We will accompany you to meetings, help with correspondence and negotiate with the Assessment Service.

• We have a telephone Helpline 0121 303 5004 that parents can call at any time for advice.
  
  
• If you have a disagreement with the LEA or the school about your child's education, you can also ask for help from the Disagreement Resolution Service. This is a regional independent body, which can act as a formal mediator on issues under dispute. It is hoped that many disagreements can be resolved quickly in this way, without lengthy appeal proceedings. However, access to this service is entirely voluntary, and does not affect your legal rights to challenge decisions.
  
  
• We can also put you in touch with voluntary organisations that can offer advice and help. These can offer expertise in particular areas of learning difficulty or disability, or with education law and procedures.
  
  
• If you disagree with a decision made about your child's special educational needs, you may have the right to appeal to a Special Educational Needs Tribunal.
  
  
• You will be informed of your right of appeal when a decision is made, and can ask for an explanatory booklet and appeal form.
  
  
• Not every decision carries the right of appeal to a Tribunal. Some parents are also dissatisfied with the service that they receive from the local authority.
  
  
• If you feel that mistakes have been made, or procedures ignored, and that you or your child have suffered some injustice as a result, you can make a complaint to the Local Government Ombusdman, who may investigate your case.