Whilst we are not experts, here at Essential Psychology we have a lot of experience having completed a significant number of assessments and as such, we hope you find the following hints helpful:
- Always check closing dates for submissions; for Summer 17 examinations it is currently 21st February 2017.
- Ensure you know what access arrangements pupils require as this will guide the Educational Psychologist or Specialist Teacher’s assessment; what is the pupil’s need(s)?
- Always gain the pupil’s views about adjustments/adaptations.
- Gather your evidence early. Demonstrating the normal way of working is often sufficient to secure concessions such as the use of a laptop or coloured overlays.
- For pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or a Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) relating to their secondary education a Form 8 is not always required however, schools will be required to evidence ‘picture of need’.
- Pupils with diagnoses such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder or ADHD, may not need further assessment for certain access arrangements like rest breaks or a Prompt; again, a Form 8 may not be required.
- You can now submit requests for pupils in Year 9 that are valid through Years 10 and 11. Pupils moving from Year 11 to Year 12 in the same school, or a linked college, may not require further assessment. However, a resubmission must be evidenced and processed.
- Please note the Joint Council for Qualifications’ guidance and Form 8 can change annually. These are at www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-special-consideration/regulations-and-guidance
We hope these tips prove useful. Please remember to check the guidelines every year and gather your evidence early to allow for adjustments and the implementation of any agreed access arrangements.
For further information or if you would like to discuss any assessments, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Mrs. Jo Bartholomew and Dr. Jo Davies