Benefits for Parents

When disputes with schools hit a dead end, it can often feel as though legal action might be the only way forward. Too often, it means that your son or daughter can no longer stay at the school and while this might be the outcome you would like at the time, it is not always the best for the child. Perhaps they are happy where they are with their friends, perhaps they are part way through their external exam course, perhaps they simply don’t like change. Whatever the situation, the opportunity to find a positive solution to the dispute without resorting to the courts, can only benefit everyone involved.

Mediation is an increasingly popular alternative.  While court cases are about two sides arguing from fixed points, mediation opens the opportunity to come together and communicate to find a solution. With success rates in excess of 90%, it is easy to see why more people are opting for this route, no matter how difficult the problem appears. Through mediation, it can usually be settled within a day and at a fraction of the cost of going to court.

Mediation:

• is handled by a totally neutral third party

• is private and confidential, (both the conversations with the mediator and the contents of the mediation)

• is without prejudice

• ensures costs are kept to a minimum – agreed up front

• there is no need for legal representation, although you can bring a lawyer if you wish

• takes place in a neutral environment, so does not have to be at the school

• usually lasts no more than a few hours and certainly no more than one day

• opens communication, allowing you to feel heard

• allows you to keep your child at their centre of the discussion

• is successful in 90% of the cases

In addition to being accredited mediators, Jo Heywood and Kathryn de Ferrer have several decades of experience as senior managers in education, working to find solutions for often seemingly intractable problems. They are both parents and truly understand the issues from both sides.

Heading up Heywood de Ferrer Associates, they lead a team of accredited mediators who are trustworthy and experienced. Contact us now to discuss mediation further.