Ensuring fair and equal opportunities for all students is paramount in the ever-evolving education landscape. The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) plays a crucial role in this endeavour, and the release of the 2023/24 Access Arrangements Guidelines is a significant milestone. This blog post aims to provide educators, parents, and students with a comprehensive overview of these guidelines, shedding light on their importance and implications.
What are Access Arrangements?
Access arrangements are accommodations made for students with specific needs or disabilities to ensure every student has an equal starting point during exams and assessments. The JCQ Access Arrangements Guidelines serve as a roadmap for educators and educational institutions to implement these accommodations effectively. These guidelines are essential in maintaining assessments' integrity while providing a level playing field for all students.
Key Highlights of the 2023/ 24 Guidelines
The JCQ Access Arrangements Guidelines introduce several vital updates and refinements to the existing framework. Some of the highlights include:
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Supervised Rest Breaks:
- Always consider before applying for extra time.
- Allowed if it is the candidate's usual way of working.
- Medical conditions, such as type 1 diabetes or sensory needs, may warrant rest breaks with required medical evidence.
- For AD(H)D, consideration is given to recommendations from diagnosis, with evidence needed.
- Rest breaks for anxiety, worry, or stress caused by exams are not provided in advance. Exam invigilators are trained to support students on the day.
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Prompter:
- It does not need to be registered on Access Arrangements Online.
- It is permitted for candidates with substantial and long-term adverse impairments resulting in persistent distractibility or significant difficulty in concentrating.
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25% Extra Time:
- Must be applied for and registered on Access Arrangements Online.
- They are considered based on a Statement of Special Educational Need or an assessment carried out no earlier than Year 9 by a specialist assessor.
- Specific criteria for eligibility are based on standardised scores in different areas of speed of working.
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Allocation of a Reader:
- Must be applied for and registered on Access Arrangements Online.
- They are considered based on a Statement of Special Educational Need or an assessment carried out no earlier than Year 9 by a specialist assessor.
- They are granted if language and vocabulary difficulties substantially impact the ability to access written text or in cases of long-term visual impairment.
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Allocation of a Scribe:
- Must be applied for and registered on Access Arrangements Online.
- They are considered based on a Statement of Special Educational Need or an assessment carried out no earlier than Year 9 by a specialist assessor.
- Scribe use is aligned with the candidate's usual way of working, and restrictions apply based on the candidate's abilities.
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Word Processor:
- Approval for using a word processor is subject to the candidate's needs and is granted by the SENCo.
- The JCQ requirement is that using a word processor should be the candidate's usual way of working.
- The process involves communication between the SENCo, examinations officer, and subject leader staff.
- Using a word processor in examinations and controlled assessments should align with the candidate's usual way of working.
These directives ensure access arrangements are tailored to each candidate's needs, promoting fairness and equal opportunities in the examination process. By adhering to these guidelines, educational institutions create an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
How you can learn more:
Free Short Online Course: Engage in an easy-to-follow course to update you on the latest JCQ access arrangements guidelines for the 2023/ 24 academic year. This course is tailored to schools and assessors across the UK. This short but insightful course will clarify your doubts and enrich your understanding.Included:
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- Live Q&A and Video Presentation with Nick Lait, JCQ head of examinations.
- Downloadable Resources: Save time and streamline your Access Arrangements process with an array of downloadable resources provided.
- Certificate of Competence (Optional): Earn an optional Certificate demonstrating mastery in this field. Note this is subject to a fee and requires successful completion of the assessment.
Make the most of this unique learning opportunity to further your career and skills by signing up now!
Diane Holloway
SENCo, Wales
"I have completed this free course and it was brilliant. Very informative and easy to understand. I really appreciate the online version of the course, I can stop the video when I am taking notes and I can rewind the video to allow myself to re-listen if I need clarification."
Tests for Access Arrangements
