Reasonable adjustments

Learning difficulties and special requirements prior to course commencement, training provider should identify any special requirements that delegates may have, such as physical disabilities including sight, hearing or writing, learning or reading difficulties (dyslexia), or whether language assistance is required. It is important to remember that sensitive information about the delegate has been offered voluntarily and it should be respected as confidential and in accordance with the Data Protection legislation.

In circumstances where assistance is required the training provider should:

know that under the Equality Act 2010, the training provider is specifically required to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ or give ‘special consideration’ to enable everyone to compete equally, but this must not affect the integrity of what needs to be assessed check with the delegate to find out what sort of support they need be prepared to arrange for adaptations (for example the examination can be held in a separate room and questions can be read out to the delegate) which may include additional staff support accept that, occasionally, additional time may be required for the examination, the accepted norm is 25% extra, which is about eight additional minutes encourage the delegate to discuss any ongoing problems they are experiencing in undertaking the course.

You should not;

• Worry about what other delegates will think if one person is treated differently
• assume that someone has asked for adaptations to get an advantage
• assume anything – if in doubt

Note:

‘Special consideration’ is an action taken after an assessment to allow delegates who have been disadvantaged by temporary illness, injury, indisposition or adverse circumstances at the time of the assessment to demonstrate their competence.

‘Reasonable adjustments’ are arrangements that are approved before an examination or assessment to assist delegates with assessment related needs to demonstrate their competence.

More information on supporting delegates with learning difficulties and special requirements can be obtained from the folder within the classrooms on support strategies and or British Dyslexia Association. www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

Tanya Hill

Director of Quality

Goldcross Services

August 2022