[senco-forum] access arrangements

What did you say in your initial letter to parents?  I always add a phrase
along the lines of, "Use of Access Arrangements is monitored throughout Key
Stage 4 and if it is found that it is not being used, then it may be
withdrawn."  (May not be exact wording, but you get the drift),   Without a
"getout" clause, I think it would be very difficult to withdraw the
arrangement at this stage, unless it's the wish of the pupil.  However, you
also seem to say that these pupils have not used the arrangement in any
internal exams - we monitor use and so far all our readers have used a
reader in at least one exam (often more), which would be my evidence that
there is a need.

I also agree with Ruth.  It's unlikely that such poor readers at end of Year
9 have made substantial progress which would now make it logical or
appropriate to withdraw this AA.

I will be interested to know what other assessors feel about it though. 

Sharon F
-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of Elizabeth
Haffenden
Sent: 15 May 2007 08:49
To: senco forum
Subject: [senco-forum] access arrangements

I have some students who qualify for a reader when tested at the end of Year
9, but by the time they sit their GCSEs many of their teachers feel that
they no longer need a reader and are coping adequately with exams. 

Does anybody know what is my situation.  At the moment I offer a reader to
those who qualify for this access arrangement and if they do not want to
take it up I leave the decision to them.  However, if their teachers feel
that in Year 11 in the classroom they are coping adequately without a reader
can I, as the person responsible for access arrangements, withdraw this from
them on the grounds that they are coping adequately in the classroom, in
Year 10 exams and Mocks without a reader. My understanding is that the
access arrangement should reflect the normal provision for the student in
these situations.   

Does anyone have any experience of this.  I need to be standing on firm
ground with regard to this.  Many of our parents are quite vociferous.