Mediation or tribunal

[Stevenage689]

The local authority have refused to assess. Should I go to mediation or tribunal? I see lots of advice on here to just get a mediation certificate, but why? Can anyone explain why it's better to do this?

Hi, because it’s highly unlikely that the LA would change their mind and assess following mediation. Going through mediation will just slow you down. The Tribunal waiting times are quite long, so it’s best to just get the certificate and appeal straight away.

LAs use mediation as a delaying tactic. If they are going to concede they will do so regardless of whether you actively partake in mediation or just get the certificate. If the LA don’t concede by just getting the certificate and submitting to SENDIST you haven’t lost time.

Thank you all for the advice

Been there last year and I went straight to the SENd tribunal. The LA decision was reversed and they were forced to assess.
you can just ask for the certificate that the mediation company gives you, it says you declined it. Good luck!