SEND, Special Consideration and Reasonable Adjustment Policy
TESS Group - Apprenticeship Training Provider
Purpose and Scope
TESS Group is committed to ensuring that all apprentices and learners, regardless of need or circumstance, have fair access to qualifications and the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and understanding. This policy outlines our approach to reasonable adjustments and special consideration for apprentices and learners who may require additional support.
Understanding SEND
SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. This policy applies to apprentices and learners who have identified needs, whether related to disability, learning difficulty, medical condition, or other factors that may affect their ability to access training or assessment in standard format.
This policy aligns with the SEND Code of Practice 2015 and the duties set out in the Children and Families Act 2014 and Equality Act 2010, which require providers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people are not substantially disadvantaged.
Legislative Framework
TESS Group operates within the following legal framework:
- Equality Act 2010 - Requires reasonable adjustments to remove disadvantage faced by disabled people
- SEND Code of Practice 2015 - Sets out statutory duties and best practice for supporting learners with SEND
- Children and Families Act 2014 - Establishes the framework for SEND support and assessment
Reasonable Adjustment
What is a Reasonable Adjustment?
A reasonable adjustment is an action taken, before or during training and assessment, to reduce the impact of a disability, learning difficulty, or other barrier to learning. A reasonable adjustment must not affect the reliability, validity, or integrity of the assessment itself.
Examples of Reasonable Adjustments
Extended time allowance for examination or assessment completion (e.g., 25%, 50% additional time)
Separate, quieter assessment room to reduce distractions or allow breaks
Use of permitted assistive software, voice recognition, or text-to-speech tools
Coloured filters to ease visual processing difficulties such as dyslexia or visual stress
Independent person to read questions or write answers on the learner's behalf
Interpreter to support learners who are deaf or have hearing impairment
Assessment materials in larger font or Braille
Assessment delivered or available in audio form
Simplified language or modified wording where this does not affect assessment validity
Permitted digital tools to support accessibility and learning
Identifying Needs and Adjustments
Early Identification
SEND needs are ideally identified before or at the point of enrolment. We gather information through:
- Pre-apprenticeship assessments and discussions
- Information from previous education providers or support services
- Discussion with the apprentice and, where relevant, their parents or carers
- Medical evidence, educational psychology reports, or specialist assessments
- Observation during induction and early training
Ongoing Monitoring
Once needs are identified, they are maintained and monitored throughout the apprenticeship to ensure adjustments remain appropriate and effective. This is managed by the designated SEND lead and monitored through our management information systems.
Recruitment and Access
TESS Group operates an open recruitment process and does not exclude applicants based on disability or additional needs, provided they can demonstrate the potential to achieve the apprenticeship with reasonable adjustment. Our recruitment process includes:
- Assessing Potential - Evaluating whether the applicant can, with support, achieve the knowledge, skills, and understanding required
- Identifying Support - Determining what reasonable adjustments and support will be needed
- Clear Communication - Being transparent if certain assessments cannot be achieved even with adjustment, and discussing alternative routes where available
- Removing Barriers - Making reasonable adjustments to application and interview processes to ensure fair access
Special Consideration
What is Special Consideration?
Special consideration is a post-assessment allowance for apprentices and learners who have experienced temporary, exceptional circumstances at the time of assessment that may have affected their performance. Special consideration acknowledges that external factors (illness, bereavement, accident, trauma) may have temporarily disadvantaged the learner.
Eligible Circumstances
Special consideration may be granted for circumstances including but not limited to:
- Terminal or serious illness
- Bereavement or significant loss
- Domestic crisis or family emergency
- Acute or sudden illness or injury
- Accident or trauma
- Significant personal distress or crisis
- Chronic medical condition that has acutely worsened
Evidence Requirements
Applications for special consideration must be supported by appropriate evidence such as medical letters, death certificates, accident reports, or other documentation. Self-certification for minor illness is not sufficient; professional evidence is required.
Special Consideration Application Process
Submitting an Application
Applications for special consideration must be:
- Made on the designated special consideration form
- Submitted by the learner or on their behalf (with consent)
- Accompanied by supporting evidence
- Forwarded to the Awarding Organisation (AO) or End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) within 7 days of the assessment
Important Note on TESS Group Authority
TESS Group cannot grant special consideration independently. Special consideration decisions are made solely by the Awarding Organisation or End-Point Assessment Organisation. Our role is to:
- Support learners in gathering evidence and completing applications
- Submit applications promptly to the AO/EPAO
- Provide context or additional information if required
Decision Timeline
The Awarding Organisation or EPAO will review the application and provide a decision within 10 working days. Outcomes can include:
- Special consideration granted - an allowance made to the assessment marks or grade
- Special consideration not granted - insufficient evidence or circumstances not meeting criteria
- Request for further information - additional evidence required before decision
Right of Appeal
If a special consideration application is declined, learners have the right to appeal the Awarding Organisation's or EPAO's decision. Information on how to lodge an appeal will be provided with the outcome letter.
Lost or Damaged Work
Where a learner's work is lost, damaged, or cannot be marked due to circumstances beyond their control, consideration can be requested under the AO/EPAO's procedures. TESS Group will support the learner in documenting the issue and submitting any necessary applications.
Compliance and Malpractice
TESS Group takes seriously its responsibility to ensure that reasonable adjustments and special consideration are applied fairly and in accordance with Awarding Organisation regulations. Failure to follow correct procedures or allowing adjustments that compromise assessment integrity could result in malpractice findings and sanctions against TESS Group.
All staff involved in assessment are trained on the correct application of adjustments and the importance of maintaining assessment integrity.
Support and Guidance
Apprentices and learners with identified SEND needs have access to:
- Designated support contact to discuss needs and adjustments
- Guidance on available reasonable adjustments
- Assistance with special consideration applications if required
- Regular reviews to ensure adjustments remain appropriate
- Access to additional learning support, tutoring, or mentoring where available
- Signposting to external support services if needed
Confidentiality and Data Protection
All information relating to SEND needs, medical conditions, and adjustments is handled confidentially and in accordance with data protection legislation (UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018). Information is:
- Held securely and accessed only by those who need to know
- Used only for purposes relating to support and adjustment
- Not disclosed to employers or others without consent, except where required by law
- Reviewed and archived in accordance with data retention policies
Review and Continuous Improvement
TESS Group regularly reviews this policy and practices to ensure:
- All staff understand their responsibilities
- Adjustments are applied fairly and effectively
- Learners receive appropriate support
- Practices align with legislative requirements and Awarding Organisation regulations
- Feedback from learners and staff is gathered and acted upon
This policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in guidance, legislation, or best practice.
Last Updated: March 2026 | Next Review: March 2027