What If I Don’t Agree?

If you don’t agree with a decision made by the school, ask to speak to the class teacher, Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCO) or the Headteacher, so they can discuss this with you.

Some things to think about:

• narrow your concerns to one or two clear points
• make a list of key points you want considered
• make a list of questions before your meeting

If you have spoken to the school, and the concern or disagreement is not resolved, you can ask to speak with a member of the Additional Learning Need (ALN) team within the Local Authority (LA) to seek further advice.

You can also speak with an independent ALN Caseworker at SNAP Cymru who can provide you with free, independent information, impartial advice and support.

These both would be considered informal disagreement resolution and the aims are to:

• help bring together the relevant parties;
• support the needs of the child and young person;
• help to achieve early and informal resolution of disagreements through discussion and agreement;
• discuss the full range of options.

Of course, there may be times when you don’t agree with the Local Authority.

Again, it is important that you raise your concerns as soon as possible. That way discussions can take place, or a meeting arranged.

Firstly, please contact your named officer (named on the letters you have received from the LA). They will be happy to help you. Most disagreements can be sorted out by talking it through.

Again, you can speak to SNAP Cymru throughout this process to access their support.

If your concerns have not been resolved or communications have broken down, you may want to consider using more formal Disagreement Resolution. This is a service also provided by SNAP Cymru and is a more formal approach to problem solving that can help parties discuss the disagreement and try to find a mutually acceptable solution.

If your concern continues and has not been resolved, you also have a right to appeal to the independent Education Tribunal of Wales.

Issues that can be appealed include, a decision about whether or not a child/young person has ALN, whether they need an IDP, the contents of the plan, whether provision is in Welsh, and the setting.

Using informal or formal disagreement resolution, or not using it, does not affect your rights of appeal.

SNAP Cymru

Independent Parental Support  /  Informal & Formal Disagreement Resolution:

Website: www.snapcymru.org

Helpline : 0808 801 0608

Address: SNAP Cymru, 10 Coopers Yard, Curran Road, Cardiff, CF10 5NB

Education Tribunal for Wales

Website: www.educationtribunal.gov.wales

Email: educationtribunal@gov.wales

Address: Education Tribunal for Wales, Welsh Tribunals Unit, PO Box 100, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 9BW