SEND Mediation and Disagreement Resolution Service (MDRS)
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The real focus isn't just mediation
When you think about mediation, you might picture a neutral party helping two sides find common ground.
But this contract is about much more.
Cheshire East Council isn't simply looking for a mediation service.
They're seeking a partner to help navigate the complex landscape of special educational needs, bridging communication between families and professionals.
The contract covers mediation and disagreement resolution services linked to education, health and care plans (EHCP).
It's about rebuilding relationships and avoiding formal tribunal hearings.
Understanding the landscape of special needs
This isn't just about resolving disagreements.
It's about understanding the unique challenges faced by families and professionals dealing with special educational needs.
You need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the SEND code of practice and the Children and Families Act 2014.
Parents and young people must consider mediation before proceeding to a tribunal.
So, your service must offer a compelling alternative.
Think about what families really need
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for empathy and practical support.
Families are often under stress.
They need a service that feels approachable, supportive and effective.
Your response should reflect how you'll make the process less daunting for them.
Consider the practicalities:
- How will you ensure your service is accessible to all families?
- What support will you offer to those unfamiliar with mediation?
- How will you communicate complex information simply and clearly?
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that promises were easy to come by, but evidence was rare.
If you have experience in similar services, now is the time to showcase it.
- Provide case studies demonstrating successful outcomes
- Include testimonials from previous clients
- Share statistics on your resolution success rates
Pay attention to what they say
Cheshire East Council places a strong emphasis on avoiding disagreements through a person-centred approach.
They want to see open communication and collaboration between professionals and families.
This means your submission should highlight how you'll foster these principles.
Think about how you will encourage collaboration and build trust with all parties involved.
Remember the importance of consistency
It's one thing to deliver a great service once.
It's another to sustain it over three years, potentially extending to five.
I'd want to see how you plan to maintain service standards over the contract's duration.
Consider staffing, training and quality assurance processes.
How will you ensure consistency even if key team members leave?
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This service isn't about ticking boxes or just meeting contractual obligations.
It's about making a real difference to families dealing with special educational needs.
Every response you write should keep this human impact in mind.
I'd test each part of my bid with the question, "How does this make life better for the families we serve?"
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Overlook the importance of the SEND code of practice
- Fail to demonstrate empathy and understanding of family needs
- Neglect to provide evidence of past success
- Focus solely on processes rather than outcomes
- Ignore the need for open communication and collaboration
- Miss the emphasis on person-centred approaches
- Overpromise without clear delivery plans
- Lack plans for maintaining consistent service quality
My Final Thoughts
Cheshire East Council is looking for a partner who understands the complexities of special educational needs.
They want to see a commitment to person-centred approaches and effective communication.
With a contract value of £440,000 over three years, extendable to five, it's crucial to focus on the quality of your service.
The weight on quality over price should guide your written submission.
Ensure every section reflects the council's emphasis on relationship-building and collaboration.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.