This page describes our policy regarding Reasonable Adjustment & Special Considerations: Vetpol is committed to applying reasonable adjustments and providing special considerations for the SQP course where necessary to allow all learners equal opportunity to complete their course.
The Reasonable Adjustment and Special Consideration policy will ensure that learners are provided with a fair study and assessment process.
The application of this policy means that we will ensure that the enrolment procedures are inclusive and any reasonable adjustments or special consideration that a prospective student would need is clearly identifiable at the enrolment stage of their student journey.
Scope
This policy relates to all situations and circumstances where a learner is identified according to The Equality Act 2010 (Equality Legislation) as having a disability or impairment, which would affect their learning journey in any way. It is also applicable to cases where unpredictable situations or circumstances negatively impact a learner’s performance in their student journey. In both cases the scope applies to disability and impairments which would not make it impossible for a student to fulfil their role as a SQP.
Adjustments to the assessment process will typically be made in the following circumstances:
- Learner’s with a physical, sensory or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities.
- A learner is defined as disabled under the Equality Legislation.
Under The Equality Legislation, learners who require to have reasonable adjustments made to their assessments, are deemed to have such an impairment if they can show that the condition:
- is more than minor or trivial.
- has an effect that has lasted or is likely to last for at least twelve months.
- affects everyday things like eating, washing, walking and going shopping.
- a learner is defined as disabled under the Equality Legislation Act.
Under this act, Special Consideration will be given to unexpected situations which negatively affect a learner’s assessment. These include but are not limited to:
- Where a learner has a sudden temporary illness or indisposition such as influenza.
- Where a learner has a serious accident of any kind.
- Where a learner’s assessment such as an exam is interrupted by a fire alarm or any other unforeseen circumstances.
- Where a learner has had a bereavement of a close family member or friend.
- Disturbances during the assessment.
Policy Statement
Learners with temporary physical, sensory or mental impairment are also covered by this policy and are entitled to have reasonable adjustments or special considerations made as applicable and where required.
A learner is deemed to have a temporary physical, sensory or mental impairment if the condition is under one year’s duration and is likely to improve. Examples of temporary disability could include broken limbs or injury to hands which could impair a learner’s ability to write/type. Supporting evidence will be required in all cases.
Special consideration must be applied for no later than 10 working days after the assessment, and supporting evidence must be provided, e.g. letter from doctor/hospital/authorised person/invigilator’s report, etc.
Types of Reasonable Adjustments available
- Supervised rest breaks
- Miscellaneous types of reasonable adjustments including modified question papers (e.g. enlarged or printed or coloured paper).
- An opportunity to retake the exam
Supporting evidence will be required in all cases: Evidence could include medical reports from doctors, psychiatrists, educational psychologists, specialist teachers, or funding agencies.
Requests should be put in writing to the Vetpol address.
Vetpol Ltd, 10 Tring Road, Wilstone, Hertfordshire, HP23 4PB
Review and Appeal
We are advised that wherever possible, the relevant Awarding Organisation [The Awarding Organisation is Lantra] will deal sympathetically with requests for reasonable adjustments or special consideration. In cases where a request is turned down the learner has the right to request a review of the decision. We will refer to the individual Awarding Organisations’ procedures for appeals in such scenarios.