The letter should contain certain elements. Below is an example with the elements described. The letter begins, for example

Ref: Access arrangements — Candidate J

To Whom It May Concern,

The letter should: "Confirm that the candidate has persistent and significant difficulties when accessing and processing information and is disabled within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010", for example:

The candidate, JS, has a multi-sensory impairment arising from his diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome. Due to his multi-sensory impairment, he is registered sight impaired and has a severe bilateral hearing loss as well as significant difficulties with sensory processing linked to his proprioceptive and vestibular senses (knowing where our body parts are in space and the sense of balance).

The letter should: "Include evidence of the candidate's current difficulties and how they substantially impact on teaching and learning in the classroom", for example:

This combination of impairments also impacts significantly on J's ability to process information, which means he will not be able to complete the papers within the time allowed to his sighted hearing peers. He uses a bilateral Bone Anchored Hearing Aid to improve his auditory access. J's severe bilateral hearing loss means that he requires extra support to fully access information delivered through speech, this is usually provided by his intervenor. He benefits from a quiet working environment. J has bilateral retinal colobomas which means that he has:

• Photophobia, a sensitivity to light.
• Reduced visual acuity. His distance visual acuity is 6/36. This means that he can see at 6 metres what someone with normal vision can see at 36 metres. His near vision has been assessed as N18 and he requires all printed resources to be produced at font size 18.
• Reduced lower visual fields.
• Poor contrast sensitivity therefore resources must be of good contrasting quality.

The letter should: "Show the involvement of teaching staff in determining the need for H's access arrangement", for example:

The following support has been used in school throughout KS 3 / KS 4 for J to access the curriculum:

• practical assistance which has been provided by a full time qualified Intervenor who has undertaken the following tasks;
  • Supporting J's independence through repeating and confirming teaching instructions at a pace which suits his learning style.
  • Acting as a reader and a scribe in lessons.
  • Providing practical support to ensure J's safety in lessons such as science and food technology.
  • Providing pre and post teaching for visual and auditory aspects of the curriculum.
  The letter should: "Confirm that without the application of H's access arrangement the candidate would be at a substantial disadvantage; (the candidate would be at a substantial disadvantage when compared with other, non-disabled candidates undertaking the assessment.)", for example:

  J uses a range of equipment to access the curriculum:

  • iPad and associated apps for access to resources, textbooks and specialist functions (e.g scientific calculator)
  • Enlarged modified printed resources (Print size 18)
  • Samsung Prodigi to access board work and any resources not enlarged/modified

Access arrangements for GCSE

The candidate requires the following:

• Modified enlarged GCSE exam papers, 18 point
• Additional specialist low and high tech equipment
• Up to 50% extra time
• Supervised rest and sensory breaks due to visual and auditory fatigue and to allow regulation of senses
• A practical assistant to ensure safety
• To work in a separate room for all exams

The letter should: "Confirm that H's access arrangement is the candidate's normal way of working within the centre as a direct consequence of their disability", for example:

Throughout KS 3 and 4, the candidate has been provided with these access arrangements due to the significant impact of the combined effect of his vision, hearing and other sensory impairments. This personalised support enables him to prepare for public examinations and to ensure he is able to show what he knows and is able to do.

The letter ends, for example

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Leslie Jones

SENCo