An Access Arrangements Assessment is appropriate when a specific assessment is required to determine access arrangements for exams. This assessment is tailored to the particular access arrangement(s) being sought by the school. Usually, the child’s general ability is not assessed and no formal diagnosis of SpLD is given as full diagnostic testing is not carried out. The Access Arrangements Assessment lasts approximately 1½ – 2 hours.
It is vital that the school are involved in this process following the requirements of the Joint Council of Qualifications (JCQ). According to these, the process of determining access arrangements is carried out in a collaborative manner between the school and specialist assessor. Any Access Arrangements Assessment should reflect the child’s needs documented by the school and normal way of working in school.
To obtain these details, the School Questionnaire should be completed along with the Family Questionnaire. Not involving the school in this process may jeopardise the usefulness and effectiveness of the report and any access arrangements that the child may be eligible for.
The specialist assessor may highlight and offer advice about appropriate access arrangements. However, it is the school’s sole responsibility to decide what access arrangements to apply for and to make the application to the awarding body, if required.
Each Access Arrangements Assessment will include:
- A summary of the learner’s background information, including history of their needs and support provided at school
- A summary of current reading, writing and spelling attainments as appropriate
- A summary of cognitive strengths and weaknesses
- A table of formal test results
- Recommendations for possible access arrangements in exams and completion of JCQ Form 8 if needed
Please note that criteria for access arrangements in exams is evidence-based and must meet the JCQ criteria; having an assessment is no guarantee that evidence for access arrangements will be found.
Assessment fee: £250 (all-inclusive). If we come to you, we may charge a little extra for travel, but we will discuss this with you during the booking process.
If you would like to find out more about our Access Arrangements Assessment or make a booking, please complete the form below and we will be in touch.
