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At the end of each mediation, every
participant is asked to complete an evaluation form. The comments below come
from the following questions:
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All
participants have said that these comments can be shared.
"We explored other ways to
support my son with the school. We were able to mediate in a calm,
effective manner." "I think just involving the
service made things happen more quickly." "[The mediator] was thorough and
effective and very pleasant. Also very professional." "The parents withdrew their
appeal to SENDIST. The most I was hoping for was better understanding of
each party's point of view".
"It
is useful that it is less formal than a more legal procedure".
"By talking to the parents in an
informal, but structured situation participants were able to express
themselves clearly and issues were able to be understood by all. This led
to a resolution.
"It gave the opportunity to
explain the reasons for making the Statutory Assessment request. A very
professional service as usual".
"It is a very useful opportunity
for discussing possibilities and trying to resolve difficulties, it's very
good to have the mediator there to ensure fairness".
"The case was better understood. Additional
information came to light. I think it is an excellent service and should
be extended to cover other areas".
"The lessening of tension within all
parties. Spending a quantity of time with LEA [local education authority] staff and parents which you
would not normally have.
"The way we were able to communicate and
resolve some of the issues. Very beneficial to be able to meet face to
face with the people who are making decisions on our child's education.
"The whole session was very
professional and felt very safe; I had felt a lot of anxiety and concern
about the process before it and at the beginning.
"It was useful to be in a meeting
chaired by someone else".
"The relationship between parent
and
school has been somewhat rebuilt".
"I hadn't taken part in this
process before and was very impressed with the way it was run, explained
and how professional the whole process was".
"The other party remained calm during the
mediation- which has not happened in other meetings we have held".
"The process ensured that all parties
remained calm so that meaningful dialogue was facilitated".
"I think that it kept the
conversation and "emotional temperature" at a level which has kept
communication channels open."
"I was very pleased with the mediator; she
didn't take sides with both parties".
"It allowed differences between parents and
school to be aired and I believe the relationship has improved as a
result. The mediator handled the meeting very well- remained calm, wasn't
dispirited even when things were apparently going quite badly."
"The process gave the benefit of a fairy
un-emotional meeting, resulting in an agreed plan of action. I thought the
mediation service offered immense support.
"I think it helped to foster a better
LEA [local education authority] /parent working relationship".
"It gave good opportunity to
discuss more fully the problem areas of my child's education and I
successfully gained some movement from the LEA
[local education authority].
"We achieved a resolution which we
hope will benefit everyone all round."
"By skillful non-threatening
handling, solutions were reached unexpectedly."
"It helped to meet everyone and
have the opportunity to share and listen to each other's views in a 'safe'
environment."
"I had been quite cynical- mainly
because I do a lot of negotiating/problem solving. However, it was helpful
to think about issues without the pressure of managing a
meeting/recording."
"It was good to cut through all
'red tape'/ bureaucracy that hinders clear and effective communication.
Talking matters through face to face was essential. The experience was
physically draining but ultimately rewarding.
"Allowed everyone to be open and
honest and really explore issues. Did not feel like a battle, which
previous encounters had felt like. Very good mediator and good at drawing
people together to common ground."
"It helped to uncover some
misunderstandings that we had regarding the workings of the various bodies
involved. A very good service to use."
"Felt I had a fuller picture of the child
and the difficulties she is experiencing. Can be more prepared as a
school for the pupil when she comes in September".
"Clarified issues that had been frustrating
both parties. Also gave idea of the criteria being used to make decisions,
by other party. Very helpful and supportive and will help us make
decisions in the best interest of the child."
"It was useful to meet with the
parent in a neutral place (i.e. away from the Town Hall) and to hear first
hand in more detail about his concerns. It was also useful to put the
LEA's
[local education authority] position without interruption.
"I feel that a very anxious mother
was more willing to listen because of the impartial mediator, who was
calm, pleasant and in control!
"Despite the obvious friction
between the two sides at the beginning of the meeting and the allegations
made during it. The outcome brought both parties together to a point
where an agreement could be made in the future.
"The process was beneficial as it
was informal and the mediator did not take sides. She made me feel at
ease. The most important aspect was control. We were able to have our
say in a relaxed atmosphere."
"An opportunity to work positively
with the pupil's parents. This was an opportunity to extend
communications and reduce conflict.
"It gave me a greater
understanding of my particular situation which in turn brought about a
positive conclusion.
"The ability to bring people
together on an equal basis in a neutral place. Having a neutral 'chair'
allowed for honest and open discussion. I believe this to be an excellent
service. This avoided an SEN Tribunal which has, in my experience, always
resulted in bad feeling on someone's part.
"This was my first experience of attending
a mediation meeting.
"It’s a very useful service. In this
instance I am sure it prevented the case escalating to tribunal."
"I feel as if it is less "them against
us.""
"It was a relaxed session; I felt that
everyone had the chance to voice their concerns. The mediator was very
focused and allowed the meeting to stay on track."
"I feel that the mediation process was well
organised and as informal as possible. It allowed both parties to explain
their situations and thoughts on the matter in a relaxed atmosphere. I
feel that this has been a positive step forward to take as it has
encouraged a good working relationship between parent and LEA
[local education authority] which can
only be a good thing for the welfare and education of the child
concerned."
"Enhanced relationship with parents."
"Gave me the chance to learn how decisions
are being made and to meet in person with the decision makers. It gave us
both the chance to look beyond the paperwork and get an insight into the
actual problems.
"Provided opportunity to share
perspectives, make agreements that could be reviewed regularly. Gave
opportunities to share concepts and explore issues."
"Opportunity to put across my son's case
fully and to talk openly and frankly about his problems. Pleased that I
took part and very grateful to the service for arranging and conducting
the session." |
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