Just wondering how extra time in GCSE's etc works - does it follow you to A levels and Uni too?

[loveyouradvice]

My DD has some processing difficulties, which have just been diagnosed... much to her relief as she is at an academic school where she's done less well in y9 and 10 than y 7 and 8. She has been clear that it felt her brain wasn't working properly, and could clearly describe ways in which it seemed to get stuck. HerTeachers had all rather rubbished this, and told her she needed to have more confidence in herself - which on one level is understandable, as on some things she is outstanding - but has obviously made it very tough for her, as she kept putting in extra effort without it helping.

So I've just learnt she gets extra time in her GCSEs next summer, and all internal exams until then (25%) - which is going to make a big difference. Meanwhile, because although she qualifies for this, she doesn't neatly fit any clear box like dyslexia the school is recommending she has additional investigations.

I've two questions for those of you far more knowledgeable about this:

1. Any recommendations for places in London to have these kinds of tests? - ideally thorough as it sounds quite complex, but doesn't cost an arm and a leg
2. Does anyone know if this "extra time" follows through to A levels and then university? Or do you do extra tests at each stage to see if you qualify? I gather she was a clear strong qualification on one processing test and borderline on a couple of other ones

Thank you so much - from a deeply relieved mum who's been supporting her DD through this and is so glad it looks like there may be some answers

If she is being allocated extra time there must have a form of assessment , possibly by a suitably qualified Senco at school. The assessment is good for up to 3 years, so unfortunately you may need another before A level/level 3 exams. If you got a Post 16 assessment at that stage it would be accepted by uni for adjustments etc and Student Finance for DSA.

Ideally your DD would be assessed by an educational psychologist. Unfortunately they are very expensive and I assume the school haven't referred to the council ones.

Thanks both for coming back to me - yes by SENCO at school, who Ive not met yet but sounds lovely on the phone and has said she can give DD extra sessions to help her with exam technique and processing, which may also help a bit.

I meet her next week but already feel very supported by SENCO while recognising there's a limit to what she can do.

I guess I expected educational psychologists to be expensive - any idea where to find one in London who's good and reasonably priced?

No, it doesn't follow into A-levels (no idea about university). She will need to reapply for it at sixth form with new evidence of it being her usual way of working, but if she has had it for GCSE it should be fairly straightforward to get it as the school will be expecting it.

Access arrangements are valid for 26 months which is why they are usually done at the end of year 9. The form 8 can be carried over to A level if the pupil stays in the same school or goes to a feeder college where there is an existing relationship between the school and College, in which case there's no need to reassess but another application is made online to JCQ.

Thanks all - much much appreciated.... Bizarre how positive DD and I are feeling about this ... she laughingly said Mum I don't know what to do, Im half genius half special needs.... and bless her, she is in so many ways on so many fronts...and tis good to hear her laugh after the tough times she's been through....

Tell her of the term 'twice exceptional' means very bright, but has a Specific learning difficulty. Both myself and my daughter are twice exceptional.

SOS!SEN, a charity, which supports parents of children with SEN has a helpline. They can suggest educational psychologists, who may be reasonably priced.

My DC gets this due to epilepsy, sometimes her brain stops or slows down and she loses her focus. I had a terrible battle with her school to get them to acknowledge it, even though she had a diagnosis. The teachers said it was just day dreaming, not that they were qualified to make that decision. She is now at a different school and they have been good, she gets extra time and takes exams in a separate room away from the other children, it is much quieter so when she does lose focus for a minute it is easier for her to recover, without all the distractions from the other children IYSWIM. As far as I am aware that (the quiet room) can be provided by the school without having to get any permission or submit any forms or evidence. It is worth asking the school if it can be arranged.

My DD is dyslexic and dyspraxic.
The dyspraxia affects her much more than dyslexia.
Dyspraxia causes her to be clumsy disorganised. Difficulty processing her thoughts and at times she finds difficulty getting the words out even tho she knows what she wants to say. It just gets jumbled in her head sort of like word blindness. She gets extremely frustrated.
Perhaps SENCO could look at a diagnosis of dyspraxia?

thank you all....

what a great term - twice exceptional - DD will love that!

And one of the reasons I already love the SENCO is that she truly seems to have DD best interests at heart and has already suggested doing the exams in a smaller room (they have one set up for other pupils) - but is very gentle, and is clear its very much DD choice.

checklist thanks - Ill give them a ring

And I'll check out dyspraxia... DD and I are both very clumsy but had put it down to the hyper mobility.... and unlike me, she is pretty good at games.

We just feel so lucky to have found this out with 12 months to go to GCSEs...and all because our GP suggested our DD was tested for dyslexia, given her symptoms and family history. Can't quite believe though that the school hadn't offered to test earlier, as SENCO seems amazing and fully equipped to do - we've been talking to them about DD brain processing/fog for two years now, seeking their advice and they've been kind but dismissive, I suspect mislead by the fact that she really is rather good at some things