Assessments: access arrangements

[BananaPie]

Looking for some advice. DD is in year 8 and has a diagnosis of dyspraxia. We have an EP and OT report outlining the impact this has on her ability to learn along with a number of recommendations including extra time in exams and use of a laptop.

Handwriting is an issue. She tires easily and struggles to write legibly for longer pieces of work.

She does not have an EHCP (school have applied for one).

The school has said that unless a child has an EHCP they will not provide a laptop or extra time for exams. This is because they want to make sure access arrangements for GCSEs are the same as access arrangements for KS3 exams.

Is the school correct? Given that we can evidence the need, shouldn’t they make reasonable adjustments regardless of whether an EHCP is in place?

You can see JCQ’s guidance here. Students don’t need an EHCP for access arrangements.

Where are you in the EHCP process?

That’s super helpful thanks so much. We’re waiting for the tribunal for refusal to assess…

That's ridiculous.

DD - Y10 - dyslexia plus hypermobile fingers and ADHD (private assessment for ADHD in Y9 and state primary ed psych assessments in Y3 and Y6 for dyslexia)

She has had a laptop (iPad with keyboard) for all classes since Y6 - I provided that as it was just easier and less hassle all round than using school ones.

She has the laptop, 25% extra time, rest breaks, headphones and a reading-pen available for all exams both internal and GCSEs.

She doesn't have an EHCP.

Thanks. I feel thoroughly let down by the school. I’ve raised with the SENCo but will make a formal complaint too I think

I'm not surprised. You absolutely don't need an EHCP for any of this as it should be needs based.

I would definitely get very cross on this.