access arrangements for exams 2024 – 25

Front

When is a learner ONLY eligible for access arrangements?

Back

Where their LDD has a ‘substantial and long-term adverse effect … giving rise to persistent and significant’* difficulties with learning.

Answer explanation

A learner is ONLY eligible for an access arrangement where their LDD has a ‘substantial and long-term adverse effect … giving rise to persistent and significant’* difficulties with learning.

Alongside this there must be clear evidence recorded which shows the AA is their ‘Normal and current Way of Working’** (NWW).

Front

Acceptable evidence types for AA's ‘Normal and current Way of Working’ (NWW).

Back

Evidence gathered from RAPID Screening, in-depth screening, possible medical diagnosis + teacher observation

Answer explanation

Clear evidence recorded over time which shows the AA is their ‘Normal and current Way of Working’** (NWW). This must include Evidence gathered from RAPID Screening, in-depth screening, possible medical diagnosis + written teacher observation.

If extra time is requested then timed tasks are the evidence, if breaks are needed then evidence of how long these breaks are normally needs to be evidenced. ILPs and Group Profiles are great places to make this record.

Front

Does a learner have a LDD simply because their first language is not English, Irish or Welsh?

Back

No, a learner does not have a LDD simply because their first language is not English, Irish or Welsh. To be eligible for AA, evidence must be gathered of a LDD need in their first language.

Answer explanation

IMPORTANT - A learner does not have a LDD simply because their first language is not English, Irish or Welsh. To be eligible for AA, evidence must be gathered of a LDD need in their first language..

HOWEVER, where there is a learner where English is not their first language, a reader can be given if this is their normal way of working. Form 9 needs to be completed. (a reader cnnot be used in a reading exam though)

P.S, Never use Google Translate to assess the learner, this was a trick option.

Front

Which qualifications are Access Arrangements available for?

Back

AA are applied to ANY level of qualification that has a timed or controlled assessment from entry level to postgraduate, including vocational.

Answer explanation

AA are applied to ANY level of qualification 

that has a timed or controlled assessment

from entry level to postgraduate, including vocational

Must be considered on a case-by-case basis as the needs of each learner are different.

Must be based on the awarding body criteria for each qualification

Ultimately complies with JCQ regulations

Front

Should I give a learner with anxiety extra time in his live exam this week to ensure he passes?

Back

No, postpone his exam, gather evidence of his need for extra time, request an in-depth screener, confirm his diagnosis, and submit a form 9 following AA processes.

Answer explanation

Failure to comply has the potential to constitute malpractice;

🚫Putting in place AA that are not approved

🚫Failing to consider putting in place an AA _{(failure to comply with our duty under the Equality Act to make reasonable adjustments);}

🚫Permitting AA which are not supported by appropriate evidence

_{This poor learner has been let down from the start. This teacher has failed to recognise his need which has resulted in him being at an unfair disadvantage to his peers. This highlights the importance of checking knowing your learner and recording evidence as a standard practice. The LDD is available in the learner folder and on the VC which is accessible from the classroom computers.}

Front

Joe Bloggs has been in English and Maths. Access Arrangements were made for him as he needed a scribe and a reader. What was correct about his arrangements in Maths?

Back

In Maths he had the use of a scribe and a reader in both exams.

Answer explanation

Remember:
You can't have a scribe in a writing paper or where a computer is used.

AND

You can't have a reader in a reading paper.


_{P.S A calculator is not viewed as a computer by the JCQ}

Front

Candidates on a waiting list awaiting a referral for diagnosis can be viewed as having been diagnosed. True or False?

Back

True

Answer explanation

Sites can use referrals to CAMHs or a local NHS trust if someone is on a list to be screened.

JCQ are recognising that in some regions there are long waiting lists for diagnosis on ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and Mental Health difficulties.

A compelling picture of need needs to be given, and centres must produce good evidence to support this.

Front

When do you need to call in an assessor to do psychometric testing?

Back

After you have gathered evidence and a normal way of working when you found out the learner has a diagnosed Mental Health condition which affects his processing but you cannot gain confirmation of diagnosis. Early enough to get the assessment booked in time but not too early as you won't have enough evidence.

Answer explanation

For learners with a suspected learning difficulty e.g. dyslexia or slow processing and there is no medical evidence or EHCP plan:

The tutor/IP completes the AAE information and referral form (AAE RIF) and gives it to the assessor.

This process is mandatory, and the assessor will not come to site unless this has been sent beforehand. Time is critical with this process.

^{This is where you will hear the term FORM 8 being referred to. The form 8 is what the assessor is filling in when there is no medical evidence of Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP)}

Front

Form 9 Uses: Select the correct uses.

Back

Supervised rest breaks
25% extra time and EHCP or impairment not a learning difficulty.

Front

Recording of access arrangements

How should they be recorded and how long for?

Back

Records of access arrangements need to be filed digitally or on paper and kept for 3 years.