Reasonable Adjustment and Learner Support Procedure

Purpose. This procedure explains how the Institute identifies, approves, applies and records reasonable adjustments and support for learners so that assessment remains fair without lowering the standard of competence.

1.Principles

Reasonable adjustment changes how a learner demonstrates competence, never what they must demonstrate. Adjustments must be individual, agreed with the learner, recorded before assessment and reviewed as needs change. Where an adjustment would compromise the integrity of the unit or safety, it cannot be made and the learner must be told why.

2.Identifying needs

Needs are identified at pre-training review, from the foundation skills assessment, from a learner's request on the Reasonable Adjustment Request Form, from trainer observation or from a support plan review. Trainers must refer any observed need to the specialist within five business days.

3.Approving adjustments

The Language, Literacy and Numeracy Specialist assesses the request, consults the trainer and assessor and, where the adjustment affects assessment, the Lead Assessor. The Student Services Manager approves the plan. Approved adjustments are recorded in the learner's support plan in the student register.

• Extra time or rest breaks
• Oral questioning in place of written responses
• Assistive technology or a reader or scribe
• Modified formats such as large print or captioned video
• Alternative demonstration context that still meets the unit

4.Applying adjustments

Trainers and assessors must apply the recorded adjustments and note them on the assessment record. Adjustments not in the plan must not be applied without approval, except for immediate safety or wellbeing needs, which must be reported the same day.

5.Review

Support plans are reviewed at least every term and whenever the learner or trainer requests it. Learners can withdraw consent to a support plan at any time.

6.Privacy

Information about a learner's disability or circumstances is shared only with staff who need it to provide the support and is stored in the student register with restricted access.