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Original poster

DS denied extra time in SATs

33 replies

Pastlast · 10/05/2023 18:09

Hello just looking for some advice. My DS had a dyslexia report which we discussed with the school on the basis they’d apply for extra time.

Now it’s SATs week it turns out there isn’t any extra time. I phoned the school and they reported back that they did some tests and decided he didn’t need extra time. they didn’t discuss this with us at any point, from what I can understand about the nature of the test they performed at some unspecified point, I don’t consider it adequate.

at this point, there isn’t anyone I can appeal to is there? Any pointers would be helpful.

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JJJSchmidt · 10/05/2023 18:16

Given that it's in the school's interests for your son to perform well, why do you think they would deny him if he is entitled?

cansu · 10/05/2023 18:20

I think extra time is given based on reading speed. Students with a slow speed are tested. if they have a score low enough they qualify for extra time.

Original poster
Pastlast · 10/05/2023 18:20

Honestly I think they have a very poor understanding of dyslexia. They assessed his reading which isn’t something he typically has a problem with. It’s more issues around working memory writing speed etc.

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PurpleTygrrr · 10/05/2023 18:22

Did they do a handwriting speed test? I applied for it this year for one of my pupils on this basis. Just needed to test them and I haven't evidence in their books of how much they complete in a lesson.

cansu · 10/05/2023 18:22

In any case it is too late to request access arrangements now.

TeenDivided · 10/05/2023 18:22

As far as I can see, all dyslexia reports say a student would benefit from extra time.

I don't know what happens at y6 level, but at GCSE there are specific tests for the SENCO/whoever to administer to see if extra time is to be permitted.

PurpleTygrrr · 10/05/2023 18:23

cansu · 10/05/2023 18:20

I think extra time is given based on reading speed. Students with a slow speed are tested. if they have a score low enough they qualify for extra time.

It's not really based on speed, more how many mistakes they make in a given amount of age appropriate text.

Original poster
Pastlast · 10/05/2023 18:23

I thought as much re it being too late, but wanted to check.

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cansu · 10/05/2023 18:24

There is very little writing involved. Most questions require a word or a phrase. Full sentence answers are mostly not required. Many answers are tick boxes.

Postapocalypticcowgirl · 10/05/2023 18:24

The guidance around extra time is here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1143188/2023_key_stage_2_access_arrangements_guidance.pdf

It doesn't sound like he would automatically qualify, and the school obviously feel they do not have enough evidence to give him extra time. It is a common misconception that certain diagnoses automatically lead to extra time- you have to show that the student meets certain criteria.

This all should have been organised well in advance. Did you believe he was getting extra time before today?

Original poster
Pastlast · 10/05/2023 18:26

yes I did. School apologised for lack of communication. My son is very upset and confused as much as we’ve tried to spin this into a positive about him doing so well. Now thinks the teachers think he’s faking.

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Lonelyplanet · 10/05/2023 18:27

There are clear guidelines that schools have to follow about who qualifies for extra time, children with dyslexia would almost certainly have been considered carefully by the school. Schools carry out tests of reading and writing speeds in order to make these decisions and then have to apply quite a few weeks in advance submitting reasons and evidence. In our school we also keep a record of whether extra time had been beneficial or necessary in previous assessments. In my experience, schools think very carefully about these decisions, as it important to them that children to perform at their best.

A dyslexia report, especially if it was sought outside the school, would not automatically qualify a child for this. If you were concerned, it might have been worth a conversation earlier in the year.

There really is no point in appealing, these tests won't make any difference to your child.

PurpleTygrrr · 10/05/2023 18:29

Just to correct myself... it does include reading speed along with errors.

  1. Can the pupil read age-appropriate texts aloud and fluently, at a speed of 90 words per minute, without making errors, or with very few errors (this means less than 5 errors per 20 words)?

Writing speed

  1. Is the pupil prevented from being able to write independently at a speed of more than 10 words per minute by a physical, motor skill or learning disability?

Page 6/7 of this document. I really don't know why they wouldn't even assess and apply knowing it would benefit him.

PurpleTygrrr · 10/05/2023 18:30

Lonelyplanet · 10/05/2023 18:27

There are clear guidelines that schools have to follow about who qualifies for extra time, children with dyslexia would almost certainly have been considered carefully by the school. Schools carry out tests of reading and writing speeds in order to make these decisions and then have to apply quite a few weeks in advance submitting reasons and evidence. In our school we also keep a record of whether extra time had been beneficial or necessary in previous assessments. In my experience, schools think very carefully about these decisions, as it important to them that children to perform at their best.

A dyslexia report, especially if it was sought outside the school, would not automatically qualify a child for this. If you were concerned, it might have been worth a conversation earlier in the year.

There really is no point in appealing, these tests won't make any difference to your child.

Yes we do all these things you mentioned. Especially keeping evidence to support the application as if you had a moderation on the day they would want evidence beyond just the tests that extra time is needed.

Original poster
Pastlast · 10/05/2023 18:37

So they would have a copy of the evidence they put forward to support the application? I think they applied under the wrong criteria. The more I’ve spoken to them the more I’m convinced they don’t really understand any of the complexities around the condition.

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Skybluepinky · 10/05/2023 18:38

Not everyone with dyslexia is entitled for extra time.

Lonelyplanet · 10/05/2023 18:39

Pastlast · 10/05/2023 18:37

So they would have a copy of the evidence they put forward to support the application? I think they applied under the wrong criteria. The more I’ve spoken to them the more I’m convinced they don’t really understand any of the complexities around the condition.

They may not have applied at all if they didn't think it was necessary.

Strictly1 · 10/05/2023 18:43

Pastlast · 10/05/2023 18:37

So they would have a copy of the evidence they put forward to support the application? I think they applied under the wrong criteria. The more I’ve spoken to them the more I’m convinced they don’t really understand any of the complexities around the condition.

I can imagine they are quite capable of applying the criteria and know if the time is needed and can be evidenced.

Srin · 10/05/2023 18:49

If he has two standardised scores low enough in two areas, relating to speed of working, then he is entitled to extra time. Not all children with dyslexia are eligible.

BriocheForBreakfast · 10/05/2023 18:52

If it's any comfort, my DD wasn't diagnosed with dyspraxia until year 8 and the main issues were with processing speed and working memory. Despite not knowing this she scored very well in her Y6 SATS. But this was back to n 2015.

How is your DS's progress so far? They must know what he is on track to get.

spanieleyes · 10/05/2023 18:54

We test a number of our children at the beginning of year 6. We do a reading speed test, a writing speed test and a processing speed test( the Turner/Risedale test) . Unless a child has an EHCP, which automatically allows them to have 25% additional time, those are the only criteria which permit access arrangements. So having dyslexia wouldn't automatically mean that they would be eligible, they would have to meet the test criteria too. In addition, such access arrangements have to be a normal part of classroom practice, which is the hardest to evidence as not all classes have extra staff who can regularly support reading for/ scribing for and allowing extra time. Did the school test the three elements? If so, you could ask for the outcomes and see why they weren't considered eligible.

Semtee · 10/05/2023 18:55

Had he had a reader/scribe? You don't need to apply for them as it's based on normal classroom practice. The guidance is awful but it seems if you have a reader and a scribe you can't have extra time as well in most cases.

LadyPenelope68 · 10/05/2023 19:10

I’m a Year 6 teacher and also have a son with Dyslexia. There are clear guidelines that schools have to follow about who qualifies for extra time, but being Dyslexic doesn’t automatically mean they will get additional time.

Any children who need extra time/readers etc will have been carefully considered weeks ago. School will then have carried out tests for reading and writing speeds if necessary and will make a decision based on these tests. They will then submit evidence and request the extra time. Children with dyslexia would almost certainly have been considered carefully by the school. Schools carry out tests of reading and writing speeds in order to make these decisions and then have to apply quite a few weeks in advance submitting reasons and evidence.

Even if you’ve had a private dyslexia report which recommends extra time, it’s just a recommendation and each child will still be tested.

it’s in the school’s best interests to give each child as much support as necessary, so if he hasn’t qualified for extra time, he doesn’t need it, even if you think so.

Lonelyplanet · 10/05/2023 19:11

For many of the children who qualified, we had to make a decision between a reader or extra time. We know the children really well and know exactly what would help them. I'm sure all teachers do.

Original poster
Pastlast · 10/05/2023 19:19

Thanks for taking the time to respond. It is all helpful information. The headteacher’s comments about dyslexia do unfortunately lead me to believe he has a very poor understanding of it. It’s frustrating not knowing what or how or when they decided this.

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