Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Quality Academy fulfills its ethical obligations to learners and complies with relevant regulatory requirements. We are committed to identifying and addressing any barriers that may affect learners’ ability to access training and assessment on an equal basis.

2. Definitions

• Reasonable Adjustment: A pre-planned adaptation to the delivery or assessment of a course designed to reduce the effect of a disability or difficulty without compromising the integrity or validity of the assessment outcome. The marking criteria remain the same.
• Special Consideration: A post-assessment adjustment to a learner’s result, applied when temporary illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances may have disadvantaged the learner during an assessment.

3. Policy Scope

This policy applies to all training programs offered by Quality Academy. It reflects our commitment to equality and inclusion, ensuring fair treatment of learners who may require additional support due to physical, psychological, or learning-related difficulties.

Examples of conditions that may require reasonable adjustments include (but are not limited to):

• Visual or hearing impairments
• Mobility limitations
• Learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia, autism)
• Mental health conditions
• Limited functional skills in English

4. Request and Approval Process

Reasonable Adjustments

• Learners must submit a request before the course start date to allow time for proper review.
• Requests should be sent via email to: info@qualityacademy.org
• Supporting documentation may be required, such as a medical certificate or professional assessment confirming the nature and severity of the condition.
• All cases will be reviewed on an individual basis, considering the learner’s needs, supporting evidence, cost implications, and impact on other learners.
• In cases where documentation is not immediately available, Quality Academy may consult with relevant stakeholders before deciding.
• If a request is declined, learners have the right to appeal in writing, and will be provided with the Appeals Policy upon request.

Special Considerations

• Applications must be submitted within five (5) working days after the assessment date.
• Supporting evidence must be provided (e.g. medical note, incident report).

5. Examples of Reasonable Adjustments

(This list is not exhaustive and will depend on individual needs and feasibility.)

• Extra time for exams or assessments
• Modified training materials (e.g. large print, color contrast)
• Access to a reader (must not be a tutor, peer, or relative)
• Use of assistive software or personal laptop
• Use of a BSL interpreter (to be arranged by the employer if not feasible by the center)
• Use of a scribe for written assessments (non-tutor, to be arranged by employer)
• Early access to course materials
• Use of non-electronic translation dictionaries

Note: Costs associated with readers, scribes, or BSL interpreters may need to be borne by the learner or their sponsor if not feasible for the centre to provide.

6. Confidentiality

All applications and documentation are handled in strict confidence and used solely for the purpose of evaluating support needs.

 

Scope: Training Services