The purpose of Specialist Assessment is to “level the playing field” so that all students have equal access to the examinations process. An assessor must ensure that no students are disadvantaged (or will gain an advantage) by putting arrangements in place.

We are only testing for 2 arrangements: Extra Time and/or Scribe (there are some minor exceptions).
All other arrangements are “centre assessed”; evidenced by outside agency involvement and/or EHCPs
(and the accompanying paperwork).

When testing we have a number of tests to look for extra time. Even though the result is the same (i.e. 25% Extra Time) there can be a number of ways to qualify. Students may read slowly, handwrite slowly or process information slowly. We have various tests to look at processing speed.

Testing has two main elements:

• The testing process
• Teacher Observations

We need both of these for an assessment to be valid.

To qualify for a scribe, the student will undertake an untimed spelling test and score below 85, a scribe must be the student’s normal way of working.

All arrangements must be a student’s normal way of working. The majority of centre agreed arrangements do not require any paperwork for the JCQ inspection but, obviously, need to be recorded and shared within the school. All arrangements must have evidence.

The school must have a word processor policy in order to give students access to a computer in exams. As long as the student fulfils the requirements no other paperwork needs to be completed for JCQ. The Exams department need to be informed.

If a student has a reader/computer reader as their normal way of working there is no longer a need to test for this but an application must be completed and the SENDCo must evidence what the need is and demonstrate the normal way of working and that teachers support the arrangement.

Students with an arrangement for Supervised Rest Breaks do not require testing but they will need to demonstrate that it is their normal way of working and teacher evidence is needed to support the arrangement.

Students with an EHCP; a diagnosis of ASC or ADHD; other medical diagnoses and any SEMH diagnosis must not be tested. Evidence will exist from other professionals that will serve as evidence. To be eligible for these special arrangements the students must meet criteria set out by the JCQ – The Joint Council for Qualifications.

Special arrangements include:

• Reader
• Scribe/laptop
• Extra time
• Prompt
• Supervised Rest break
• Modified/enlarged papers

Applications are made during the first year of the exam course and will cover the full 2 year course.

A list of arrangements can be found in the Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments Regulations
available at:

https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-special-consideration/regulations-and-guidance/

It is not the tests or teacher observations that diagnose the need, it is the assessor.