Access Arrangements What are access arrangements? Access Arrangements are pre-examination adjustments for candidates based on evidence of need and normal way of working. Access Arrangements fall into two distinct categories: some arrangements are delegated to centres others require prior JCQCIC awarding body approval. Access Arrangements allow candidates/learners with special educational needs, disabilities or temporary injuries to access the assessment without changing the demands of the assessment. For example, readers, scribes and Braille question papers. In this way Awarding Bodies will comply with the duty of the Equality Act 2010 to make 'reasonable adjustments'. (Joint Council for Qualifications, 2017) What does this mean? Access arrangements are modifications made to exams or the exam procedure to assist those that need it due to a specific learning difficulty or disability. Without the arrangement the candidate would be at a substantial disadvantage.

What are the rules for gaining an arrangement? The arrangement must be the usual way of working for the child. We cannot simply use it to benefit exams. It must be the way the child works in lessons on a day to day basis. The arrangement must be supported by a history of need. This is a log of the child needing the additional support in school for a sustained period of time e.g. the past year or longer. Some arrangements have set scores that must be obtained by standardised scores in test performed by qualified assessors. These are the rules set out by JCQ. The school must follow these or we are at risk of jeopardising exam results.

How do we obtain access arrangements at APS? Firstly, we screen all of our year 7 students on their taster day before they join the school.   From year 7 onwards, we begin building a history of need for those that require additional support.   The screening process is repeated in the Spring term of year 9 followed by the collection of further evidence from teachers.   The SEN department use this information to formulate a list of students who need further assessment by a qualified Specific Learning Difficulties (SPLD) assessor. Our assessor comes into school on 2 occasions each year, October to assess any new sixth formers or year 10/11 students to the school or existing students that require assessment. Then in June to assess year 9 students before they go into KS4 to start their GCSE courses. How do I know if my child qualifies? You will only be notified by a letter in the post if your child receives an arrangement. You will only receive confirmation once it has been authorised by JCQ or the exam board. Please note we cannot accept private assessments as a standalone document. We must have a working relationship with any private assessors prior to assessment. Please note, that as specified by JCQ, the SENCo, must be contacted prior to the completion of a private assessment. Any external reports must be supported by a history of need, evidence showing the arrangement is in place and is making a difference for the child from school staff and assessment by our SPLD assessor. PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL SENCO BEFORE YOU INVESTIGATE PRIVATE ASSESSMENT asyed@alexandrapark.school (SENCo- KS4 & 5) kperry@alexandrapark.school (Assistant Headteacher- Inclusion and Pathways)