Access arrangements - extra time question about evidence

[2020again]

When making an application for extra time where evidence is required for a medical condition involving SEN (non Form 8 route) how far back can the evidence go? We were under the impression that it is the past 3 years (so if applied for today at the end of say year 10 you could use evidence from year 8, 9 and 10). Is that correct please?

JCQ guidance states "Access arrangements should be processed at the start of the course. Schools, for example, should be able to process applications at the start of or during the first year of a two-year GCSE course having firmly established a picture of need and normal way of working during Years 7 to 9." See 4.2.4.

It does somewhat depend on what access arrangement it is, also not all access arrangements need applying for. It may also be that this year they haven't built up as much evidence so it takes a bit longer.

For example, for extra time the JCQ guidance states "The specialist evidence may relate to any age provided it remains current." Pg30

For pupils that do require a form 8 the assessment must be no earlier than Y9. So, it would be reasonable for school to want some kind of up to date evidence as part of the whole application from after the start of Y9 for those who don't need a form 8.