Reasonable Adjustments &
Special Considerations Policy
Table of Contents
- Purpose
- Definitions
- Policy Statement
- Eligibility Criteria
- Procedures for Reasonable Adjustments
- Procedures for Special Considerations
- Appeals Process
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Monitoring and Review
Purpose
This policy ensures that all learners at Care College have equal access to assessments and learning opportunities, irrespective of their individual needs. Care College is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment, providing reasonable adjustments and special considerations to learners with disabilities, learning difficulties, temporary injuries, or other specific circumstances that may impact their ability to fully participate in their training.
Definitions
Reasonable Adjustments
Alterations made to the learning or assessment environment, resources, or methods to remove barriers and allow learners with specific needs to demonstrate their competence without compromising assessment validity.
Special Considerations
Temporary measures taken for learners experiencing unforeseen circumstances (e.g., illness, family emergency) that might affect their performance during an assessment period.
Policy Statement
Care College recognises its responsibility to comply with relevant legislation, including the Equality Act 2010, and to provide fair and equitable treatment for all learners. Reasonable adjustments and special considerations are integral to supporting learners to achieve their best possible outcomes in a manner consistent with their peers.
Eligibility Criteria
Reasonable Adjustments
Applicable to learners with long-term or permanent conditions, disabilities, or learning difficulties that impact their ability to access learning or assessments.
Special Considerations
Available to learners facing temporary circumstances affecting their performance, such as illness, bereavement, or other personal issues arising near or during assessments.
Procedures for Reasonable Adjustments
Application
Learners or their representatives must inform Care College of their need for adjustments, ideally at the time of enrolment or as soon as the need arises. Supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate or educational psychologist report, may be required.
Assessment of Needs
A collaborative review involving the learner, relevant academic staff, and support services will determine the specific adjustments required. Adjustments are made based on individual needs, ensuring they do not compromise the integrity or fairness of the assessment.
Types of Adjustments
Reasonable adjustments may include, but are not limited to:
- Additional time for assessments or assignments
- Provision of assistive technology (e.g., screen readers, voice recognition software)
- Modified assessment formats (e.g., oral instead of written exams)
- Alternative room arrangements or physical accommodations
- Support services, such as a reader, scribe, or sign language interpreter
Implementation and Review
Adjustments are implemented and reviewed periodically to ensure they continue to meet the learner’s needs. Adjustments are applied consistently to maintain fairness and compliance.
Procedures for Special Considerations
Notification
Learners must notify Care College as soon as possible if they experience a temporary circumstance affecting their performance. Documentation, such as a doctor’s note or other relevant evidence, may be required.
Review and Decision
The College’s special considerations panel will review each case to determine the appropriate support or assessment modifications. Considerations may include deferral of assessment, extended deadlines, or re-scheduling assessments.
Special Consideration Adjustments
Potential adjustments may include:
- Extended deadlines for coursework or assignments
- Rescheduling of assessments or exams
- Exemption from certain assessment requirements (if deemed appropriate)
Confidentiality and Sensitivity
All information provided by learners regarding their needs will be treated confidentially. Care College will handle all cases with sensitivity to support learner well-being.
Appeals Process
Learners have the right to appeal decisions regarding reasonable adjustments or special considerations if they believe that the process has not been fairly applied. Appeals should be submitted in writing to the College’s designated Appeals Officer within 10 working days of the decision.
Roles and Responsibilities
College Management
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policy implementation, and provision of necessary resources.
Academic Staff
Facilitate reasonable adjustments within their teaching and assessment activities and communicate with support services as needed.
Learners
Provide timely and accurate information about their needs and cooperate in implementing agreed adjustments.
Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with legislative and regulatory changes. Feedback from learners, staff, and support services will be considered in each review.
