OriGym Centre of Excellence is committed to ensuring that all learners are afforded equitable access to educational opportunities and assessments. This policy delineates the procedures for the implementation of Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations, thereby guaranteeing that no learner is disadvantaged on the grounds of disability, learning difficulty, ongoing medical condition, or extenuating circumstances beyond their control. All processes detailed within this policy are aligned with the requirements, procedures, and guidance issued by Focus Awards. Internal practices are systematically maintained to remain congruent with the standards published by the awarding organisation.

1. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All learners enrolled on courses with OriGym Centre of Excellence
• All staff members involved in teaching, assessment, verification, or learner support
• All forms of assessment, both internal and external, including theoretical examinations, practical assessments, coursework, and portfolio submissions
• All qualifications delivered under the approval of Focus Awards

2. Policy Statement

OriGym Centre of Excellence upholds the following principles:

• Ensuring all learners are treated with fairness, consistency, and in accordance with ethical standards
• Maintaining assessment decisions that meet the prescribed standards
• Implementing Reasonable Adjustments without compromising the validity, reliability, or integrity of any qualification
• Adhering strictly to all Focus Awards policies pertaining to Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations
• Complying with all relevant legislation, including the Equality Act 2010

3. Definitions

3.1 Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable Adjustments are defined as modifications made in advance to assessment conditions. These modifications are intended to mitigate the impact of a disability or difficulty that may place a learner at a disadvantage, without altering assessment outcomes or diminishing required standards of competence.

Illustrative examples include:

• Provision of additional time (typically 25%)
• Use of a reader or scribe
• Employment of assistive technologies, such as screen readers
• Availability of adapted papers (e.g., large print or coloured paper)
• Permitting rest breaks during assessments
• Ensuring accessibility of assessment venues
• Adaptation of practical assessments as necessary

3.2 Special Considerations

Special Considerations refer to adjustments made post-assessment to address situations wherein a learner’s performance has been adversely affected by illness, bereavement, trauma, or other significant events beyond their control.

Examples include:

• Illness on the day of assessment
• Bereavement of a close relative or associate
• Personal crises
• Medical emergencies

4. Responsibilities

Learners:

• Notify the centre of any disability, difficulty, or relevant circumstances at the earliest opportunity
• Provide suitable supporting documentation as evidence of their circumstances
• Collaborate fully with assessment staff to facilitate appropriate support

Centre Staff:

• Preserve the confidentiality of learner information
• Support learners throughout the application and assessment processes
• Ensure compliance with Focus Awards procedures
• Submit applications for adjustments or considerations as required
• Maintain accurate and secure records of all actions undertaken

Assessors & Internal Quality Assurers:

• Ensure that all adjustments conform to Focus Awards requirements
• Verify that no adjustment compromises the integrity of assessments
• Report any concerns regarding processes or implementation promptly

5. Application Process

5.1 Reasonable Adjustments

OriGym Centre of Excellence administers Reasonable Adjustments in accordance with Focus Awards procedures. While certain adjustments may be authorised internally, others necessitate formal approval by Focus Awards.

The process is as follows:

1. The learner discloses their need for adjustment
2. Supporting evidence is provided by the learner
3. Centre staff review the submitted documentation
4. The appropriate adjustment is duly approved and formally documented
5. The adjustment is implemented
6. All actions and decisions are recorded to ensure accountability and compliance

5.2 Special Considerations

Special Considerations are administered in strict accordance with Focus Awards procedures, including adherence to deadlines and submission of supporting evidence.

The process is as follows:

1. The learner informs the centre of their circumstances within five working days of the assessment
2. Relevant supporting evidence is submitted
3. The centre reviews the submitted evidence and circumstances
4. Submissions to Focus Awards are made where necessary
5. The outcome is communicated to the learner within ten working days

6. Evidence Requirements

Acceptable forms of evidence supporting Reasonable Adjustments or Special Considerations include, but are not limited to:

• Medical reports
• Psychologist assessments
• Letters from General Practitioners
• Documentation from social services
• Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) statements

Evidence must explicitly state the learner’s condition or circumstance, expected duration, and the impact on assessment performance.

7. Restrictions & Limitations

Adjustments and considerations are subject to the following constraints:

• They must not undermine the reliability or validity of the assessment
• They cannot alter the required competence standards of the qualification
• They must not confer any unfair advantage upon the learner
• They must not involve any prompting or assistance not allowed under Focus Awards guidelines

8. Confidentiality

All information pertaining to Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations is stored securely and managed in full compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, thereby ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of all learner data.

9. Appeals

Learners wishing to appeal a decision regarding Reasonable Adjustments or Special Considerations must follow OriGym Centre of Excellence Complaints & Appeals Policy. Where relevant, learners may also appeal via the Focus Awards Appeals Policy.

10. Review of Policy

This policy is reviewed annually, or earlier if any of the following circumstances arise:

• Updates to Focus Awards policy on Reasonable Adjustments or Special Considerations
• Relevant legislative amendments
• Quality assurance activities identify the necessity for revision