Extra Time Issue with school - lack of record keeping.

33 replies

Wheresthebeach · 19/12/2018 14:23

Looking for advice on how best to tackle an issue with the school.

Previous SENCO confirmed DD's extra time for GCSE's. New SENCO has said rules have changed, and they have no proper records, apart from my emails, about agreements. No Form 8 has been completed for my daughter.

So her extra time is going to be taken away. I've not told DD, because she'll have a melt down frankly. She uses every second of her extra time. It was based on eye sight, but she's got processing issues as well.

Looks like we'll have to fork out for a new assessment and hope that her processing is still slow enough to qualify.

However, new Senco did say (on the phone) that if a Form 8 had been completed last year, that DD would have kept the extra time as the application would have been made and approved. So my question is - is there anyway that permission could be given in light of the schools lack of administrative competence or are we just stuck? Also does anyone know about the rule changes that have been introduced so I can be up to speed and in the best position to help DD?

OP posts:

LIZS · 19/12/2018 17:16

The assessment has to be within 3 years of the exam sitting iirc and it has to be an established form of working. Some sencos are qualified enough to undertake assessments , many are not.

DIN2K · 19/12/2018 17:07

DD has Duane's - she's in Year 6 and has an assessment from a behavioural optometrist, which seems to pass muster with the LEA and with senior schools. It was £300 but worth its weight in gold. Do we need something different for secondary?

Original poster

Wheresthebeach · 19/12/2018 16:53

Only been raised because I sent off the updated eye report.

OP posts:

Original poster

Wheresthebeach · 19/12/2018 16:53

She's year 10 so we've lots of time. Report from eye specialist has gone to the SENCO that was done last week. She says it has to be Hospital Consultant or LEA, previously it was accepted as enough (I'm told).

I was just hoping to avoid spending the money on another Ed Phys (school says that can't do processing assessment), and to save DD the stress of it all.

OP posts:

noblegiraffe · 19/12/2018 16:15

Is she in Y11? The deadline for access arrangements applications is 21st Feb so the school still have time to try to rectify their error.

jenandbean · 19/12/2018 15:31

Sorry , normal way of working isn’t enough . SENCo will need a file of evidence, which is inspected each year by JCQ. Can the school do a test of processing speed now? Or....If you download the regulations and check billet points on bottom of page 26, that is the level of the medical evidence required for that pathway . I don’t know if the report from the dyslexic eye specialist is at that level , but would be worth showing to the SENCo.

Original poster

Wheresthebeach · 19/12/2018 15:07

Test for processing speed was Yr 6, visual support isn't from local authority, its from a dyslexic eye specialist. Will google local authority now...

Its been her normal way of working since yr 7, and its made a huge difference. I take it that 'normal way of working' isn't enough?

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jenandbean · 19/12/2018 14:31

Google JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments 2018-2019 and you can download the current regulations . You possibly have both routes you could try . Has any test been done to confirm her processing speed ( has to be from year 9)? Can the new SENCo test for this now? Or through the medical route with visual impairment.....though need medical evidence ( not at GP level). Does she get any visual support from the local education authority ....as they can provide evidence . A Form 8 isn’t needed for this pathway. You don’t need both of these routes .......one , with proper evidence , normal way of working and staff support that your daughter uses it . Hope this makes sense!

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