A statement of special educational needs is not required for additional time in the SATs although a child with a statement automatically qualifies for 25% extra time.
schools need to apply in advance for additional time
If pupils meet three or more of the following criteria, they may be considered eligible for
up to 25 per cent additional time.
A1. Reading score (using a test of comprehension, single word reading or reading
rate, ie accuracy with speed) in the below average range for the pupil?s age?
Below average? refers to a standardised score of below 85.
A2. Pupils increase their reading comprehension age by nine months or more when
allowed 25 per cent additional time to complete a timed reading test, or there is
other evidence of slow reading speed.
Most pupils will complete a timed reading test in the time allowed. Pupils who
work very slowly may benefit from additional time to complete the test, and this
could be used as evidence in a request for additional time. Pupils should not be
told at the start of the test that additional time will be allowed as this may cause
them to slow down their work. In administering the test, provide pupils with two
different coloured pens and ask them to change pen at the start of the additional
time allowance. It is then possible to check how the additional time has been
used (for example, to continue answering, to proofread or check, or to complete
questions missed out).
Other specific evidence ? for example, some tests specifically test reading rate
(a combination of accuracy and speed).
A3. Free writing speed of 10 words or fewer per minute.
A recognised test of writing speed should be carried out or a pupil should be
asked to write for at least 10 minutes and the number of words written per
minute calculated.
A4. A phonological processing speed that is in the low range or below average
range for the pupil?s age.
?Low? or ?below average? refers to a standardised score of below 90.
A5. Significant discrepancy between cognitive ability and performance, shown by:
at least average verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, or quantitative scores
alongside below average literacy scores (as per criterion A1). ?At least average? here
refers to standardised scores of 90 or above, and ?below average? to a standardised
score of below 85
and/or
a difference of 20 points or more between verbal and performance IQ
(performance IQ tests are usually administered by educational psychologists).
Pupils may be considered eligible for up to 25 per cent additional time if they meet one
of the following criteria:
B1. Pupils with limited fluency in the English language ? English as an additional
language (EAL) ? on level 1 (threshold or secure) or level 2 of the common scale
for assessment provided in A language in common.
These pupils would be working below the level of the English tests and should not
be entered for them. Additional time will not be granted for them. Additional time
will only be granted in mathematics for these pupils if they are working at the level
of these tests.
B2. An appropriate professional such as a doctor, educational psychologist,
physiotherapist, occupational therapist, qualified teacher of the visually impaired
or teacher of the deaf has made a recent recommendation for additional time
because of a physical disability or a medical condition or sensory impairment
that affects the pupil?s ability to access the tests. Please include the name of the
professional and the date of the report.
The recommendation must make clear why the condition affects the pupil?s ability
to work under timed conditions. Any relevant scores in the report should be
included. Recommendations that do not make it clear may be rejected.
For pupils who have specific learning difficulties, the recommendation must be
obtained no earlier than the start of the previous school year.
B3. Other exceptional circumstances.
There may be a very small number of pupils who genuinely need additional time to
complete a test but do not meet the above criteria. Appropriate evidence, including
details of how additional time will enable them to access the tests must be provided.