DS denied extra time in SATs

[Pastlast]

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.

Does your EP give the scores for the WICS V?

My DD has working memory scored at under 84 on that, which used to be enough on its own to qualify. Rules have now changed as she needs 2 scores under 84 to qualify. Her other scores are all over 125 except processing speed which is 100.

She's severely dyslexic, very slow reader, can't spell except phonetically (and multiple spellings of the same word in a single paragraph) and has used a laptop for everything since Y6.

SEN department are now doing a barrage of tests to try and get enough evidence and results to get her the extra time - that she has had and used since she was 7 years old... now in Y9 and suddenly rules have changed.

Yes working memory scored 80 and he has a couple of other scores under 80 too. The school indicated that he was meeting ARE so they didn’t see the problem. It takes a real toll on him.

Two scores under 80 is an automatic yes to the 25% extra time afaik.

This is the relevant bit:

Access Arrangements

But that's not for SATS, the only eligibility criteria are- has an EHCP, has a reading speed of 90 words per minute on an age appropriate test, a writing speed of less than 10 words per minute and a slow processing speed. Other tests, scaled scores etc don't count.

Access arrangements. SATS guidance docs.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1143188/2023_key_stage_2_access_arrangements_guidance.pdf

Hi OP, this has been our experience, hope it helps.

My 11yo, Y6 daughter has a dyslexia diagnosis saying she should get 25pc extra time. I shared and discussed the report with her school when we received it after the diagnosis was confirmed in Jan 22. Headteacher confirmed she would be applying for extra time for the SATs.

A couple of months ago, DD asked me how the extra time would work - would she be in a different room, or would she just carry on working when other pupils finished and left. Good questions I thought, so I contacted school to ask.

Head phoned me and explained that she didn't think DD would be eligible as the way it works is the school has to answer a number of questions about each pupil's specific abilities and 'the system' (Dept for Education? Local authority?) spits out a response about whether they should get it or not. She then went through the questions with me on the phone there and then and submitted our answers.

Outcome - DD was awarded the extra 25pc for all her papers but I imagine if I hadn't taken the initiative to ask the school, it might have slipped through the net and she may well not have got it. As it happens, she's hardly bloody used it and keeps saying she's finished early but this is more a measure of her lack of maturity and persistent unwillingness to go back and check her work, but that's by the by.

Depends what support he has in class normally. They have to demonstrate what regular support he has in the lessons.