Mediation
The Children Act, rightly, places a great emphasis on the joint responsibility of the parents for making decisions about their children. Judges often warn that their decision, if they are left to make it, may not be acceptable to either party. It's for parents to sink their differences first and decide between them if they can.
If either party is to apply for Legal Aid, the Legal Services Commission will require both parties to attempt mediation first (though not in emergencies). Even if the application is made to the court, there will probably be mediation in some form at the first court hearing. It may be that some agreement will be negotiated then, but further mediation will be needed later. If at all possible, courts will want to see parents shoulder their responsibilities and make their own arrangements for their children, rather than impose decisions upon them.