BCM Ltd Reasonable Adjustment and Special Consideration Policy

Introduction

All learners are entitled to request reasonable adjustment under equalities legislation. This policy outlines the procedures learners and staff must follow when considering reasonable adjustments and special consideration during programmes of study and qualifications.

No additional fee will be charged for any approved reasonable adjustment. Staff responsible for teaching, assessment, quality assurance, and learner support must understand this policy and relevant awarding organisation requirements.

Definitions

Reasonable Adjustment

A reasonable adjustment is a change to learning or assessment arrangements that reduces the effect of a disability and allows learners to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and understanding fairly.

Examples may include providing extra assessment time, adapting learning materials, using alternative formats, or providing support such as readers or assistive technology. Adjustments must not compromise qualification integrity.

Special Consideration

Special consideration applies when a learner experiences temporary illness, accident, or another circumstance outside their control immediately before or during an assessment that negatively affects performance.

Applying Reasonable Adjustment

BCM Academy Ltd aims to identify learner disabilities or additional support needs during enrolment and registration. Learners are encouraged to discuss additional learning needs as early as possible with tutors or programme staff.

Reasonable adjustments can be requested at any stage of a programme. Any approved adjustment will be specific to the learner and recorded in line with awarding organisation requirements while maintaining qualification standards.

Applying for Special Consideration

Special consideration is generally not applicable for non-time constrained assessments or assessments that can easily be rescheduled. Applications will be submitted on behalf of learners following awarding organisation procedures.

Learners must report circumstances affecting assessment performance as soon as possible after the assessment and may be required to provide supporting evidence.

Supporting Evidence

Learners should provide supporting evidence for requests where possible. Examples include medical reports, doctor’s letters, police reports, or insurance documentation. Failure to provide evidence may limit the support available.

Decision Making

BCM Academy Ltd is responsible for implementing reasonable adjustments for learning. Any assessment-related adjustments must comply with awarding organisation requirements and receive approval before the assessment takes place.

Applications for special consideration are reviewed and decided by the relevant awarding organisation, which may adjust outcomes based on the available evidence and assessment circumstances.

Right of Appeal

Learners who are dissatisfied with decisions regarding reasonable adjustment or special consideration may appeal through the BCM Academy Ltd Appeals Procedure if they believe the process was not fair or objective.