BISMA Learner Reasonable Adjustments & Special Consideration Policy
Introduction
British International Sports Medicine Academy (BISMA) is committed to ensuring that all learners have fair and equal access to assessment and are not disadvantaged due to disability, illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances.
This policy sets out how BISMA manages Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration in line with awarding body requirements, the Equality Act 2010, and regulatory expectations.
Scope of This Policy
This policy applies to all BISMA learners, all qualifications delivered by BISMA, and all assessment methods, including written, practical, and remote assessments.
This policy applies to learners only. Staff matters are covered under separate policies.
Definitions
Reasonable Adjustments (RA)
Reasonable Adjustments are changes made to assessment arrangements to reduce the impact of a disability, learning difficulty, or long-term condition that would otherwise place a learner at a substantial disadvantage. These are planned in advance and reflect the learner’s normal way of working.
Special Consideration
Special Consideration is applied where a learner’s performance in an assessment is affected by temporary, unforeseen circumstances at or around the time of assessment.
Key Principles
• Adjustments must not compromise assessment requirements or qualification standards
• Adjustments must not give the learner an unfair advantage
• Adjustments must be based on individual learner need
• Adjustments must reflect the learner’s normal way of working
• Competence standards must not be altered
• Health and safety must not be compromised
Identifying Learner Needs
Learners are encouraged to disclose any adjustment needs during the application or enrolment process, or as early as possible once the need becomes known.
BISMA may identify potential needs through application information, learner communication, or tutor observation.
Learners are responsible for providing relevant information and supporting evidence where required.
Requesting Reasonable Adjustments
How to Apply
Learners requesting Reasonable Adjustments must inform BISMA as early as possible, provide relevant supporting evidence where appropriate, and engage in discussion to agree suitable arrangements.
Approval Process
BISMA will review requests in line with awarding body guidance. Some adjustments may be approved at centre discretion, while others will be submitted to the relevant awarding body for approval where required. The Lead IQA will be informed of all approved adjustments.
BISMA reserves the right to refuse requests that are not permissible or that would compromise assessment integrity or safety.
Requesting Special Consideration
Learners may request Special Consideration where temporary circumstances affected assessment performance.
Requests must be made as soon as possible, normally be supported by evidence, and clearly explain the impact on performance.
Special Consideration decisions are made in line with awarding body requirements and do not guarantee a change in outcome.
Examples of Reasonable Adjustments
Examples may include:
• Additional time
• Supervised rest breaks
• Alternative assessment venues
• Modified assessment layouts
• Enlarged or adapted assessment materials
• Use of assistive technology or aids
• Bilingual translation dictionaries (where permitted)
Health & Safety Considerations
Health and safety is a priority in all assessment decisions.
Adjustments will not be approved if they increase risk to the learner or others. Practical and gym-based assessments are subject to additional safety controls. Health and safety considerations override adjustment requests where necessary.
Decisions and Communication
Learners will be informed in writing of approved adjustments or considerations, any conditions attached, or any refusal and the reasons for it.
Decisions are made fairly, consistently, and in line with awarding body guidance.
Records and Confidentiality
All requests and decisions are recorded securely. Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis and retained in line with data protection and awarding body requirements.
Complaints and Review
Learners may raise concerns about the process used to consider requests under the BISMA Learner Complaints Policy. This policy does not provide a right to appeal assessment outcomes.
Related Policies
This policy should be read alongside:
• Learner Health & Safety Policy
• Learner Sanctions & Disciplinary Policy
• Safeguarding Policy
• Learner Complaints Policy
• Privacy, Data Protection & Data Processing Policy
Monitoring and Review
Requests and outcomes are monitored to identify trends. This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if required by awarding body or regulatory changes.
