Extra Time Issue with school - lack of record keeping.

[Wheresthebeach]

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?

Does anyone know if processing speeds can improve? What's the logic behind saying they need to be retested? (I mean apart from the rules saying so).

The rules haven’t changed to stop kids who need extra time getting extra time. Loads of kids get extra time. She just needs to be assessed, and teacher evidence provided. Y10 is loads of time.

I remember the last assessment being a couple of hours. What is the TPWRE2 and the RAN/RAS?

The stress is around the fear of losing the time, some of the kids don't seem to use it all, but DD always uses every second.

The assessment must be completed no earlier than Year 9 - it sounds like your assessment is out of date.
For pupils with SPLD/dyslexia the assessment must be administered either by the in house assessor, an LA assessor or an external assessor who has an existing relationship with the centre. The assessor must complete and sign section C of form 8, but they can't do that unless parts A and B have already been completed by the SENCO.

TOWRE2 and RAN/RAS are assessments of phonological processing speed. A below average score in a sub-test from either assessment will qualify for extra time.

They have to be redone to accord with the JCQ requirements. The school should be able to do them or if not have someone they regularly use.

School must commission a qualified assessor to test pupil at the start of the GCSE course - no earlier than Year 9. They can no longer accept assessments commissioned by parents. These are the rules.

Just a short update. We had to get a full assessment done elsewhere as the school Senco couldn't do the full battery of tests.

Very relieved that DD still qualifies, so good news all round. Thanks to everyone who commented. Been a long old time sorting it out!