ASD DS refused extra time in exams

[Upthejunctionroundthebend]

I need some help navigating this. DS's school (independent) have refused extra time in exams. We've requested this based on the report from his ed psych, which recommends extra time based on his Wechsler Intelligence test results (88th to 99.9th centile for everything except for processing speed, for which he is on the 37th centile). He doesn't have an EHCP. He often runs out of time in assessments/classwork, having produced far less work than his classmates. The school are not in any way against giving children extra time where appropriate (I work there, albeit in a different section, and have always felt this is handled appropriately) so I'm slightly baffled. We're not in any way trying to give him an advantage, just the time he needs to account for his lower than average processing speed. Does anyone have any advice on how to navigate this?

It is worth reading JCQ’s access arrangement guidance so you know the rules.

Decisions for extra time for ASD aren’t based on standardised scores. The standardised scores criteria are for those without EHCPs applying under the learning difficulties criteria. Which is a good thing because 37th centile is actually within the average category and you wouldn’t get extra time under the learning difficulties criteria with the equivalent standardised score. With ASD, you need to show there is a substantial and adverse effect on the speed of working, it needs to be the normal way of working, and a form 9 needs completing with things like feedback from staff and evidence of how the difficulties impact on learning and performance.

Have you spoken to the SENCO and Exams Officer?

@perpetualplatespinning Thank you. I haven’t spoken to the SENCO or exams officer about the refusal yet, the information came via DSs form tutor. I was so surprised ET was refused as the school have been telling us that he struggled to complete work in the allocated time for years, and it was this that prompted us to seek an assessment in the first place (initially for ADHD).

I would speak to both the SENCO and exams officer. Although I would wait to speak to the latter until after exam season. They will be busy at the moment.

You would need 2 qualifying scores under 84.

DD (ADHD and severely dyslexic) has VR and NVR on the 98th centile, processing speed on 50th and working memory on 7th.

The working memory on 7th centile gave her one score under the 84 (just) and then there were a series of other tests with low scores which combined with the ADHD and it having been her normal way of working to have extra time since she was 7 got her through the hoops to keep the 25% ET.

You would need 2 qualifying scores under 84.

Not with ASD you don’t. Standardised scores are not used for assessing applications that are not made under the learning difficulties criteria. Standardised scores are only used for those without EHCPs applying under the learning difficulties criteria.

@perpetualplatespinning Thank you. The SENCO confirmed this today. He won’t qualify under learning difficulties.

Pleased to hear the SENCO was helpful. You would be surprised how many schools think a Form 8 with standardised scores has to be completed rather than a Form 9.

@perpetualplatespinning I think this was DS’s form teacher’s assumption, which is why she told DS he wouldn’t qualify.