The Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Service came into effect on 1 September 2005 as part of the Special Education and Disability Order (SENDO). The aim of this regional service is to provide opportunities to resolve disagreements pertaining to the special educational provision being made for a child or young person. The disagreements may have arisen between a Parent /Guardian and either a School or Education and Library Board.

The DARS will provide:
• an independent, informal forum
• a neutral venue for meeting
• an impartial facilitator
• an opportunity to engage in open communication
• a service which is voluntary and confidential
• an opportunity to identify agreed action

Further information may be obtained from the Department of Education’s Supplement to the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs – 1 September 2005

This information and other DARS material may be viewed on: www.education-support.org.uk

The DARS Officer for the SEELB area is Mrs Mandy Kerr who can be contacted at:

DARS Officer	DARS - SEELB Area GrahamsBridge Road Dundonald BT16 2HS	T: 028 9056 6954 F: 028 9056 6916 E: DARS.enquiry@seelb.org.uk