Orvanta Open College
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline Orvanta Open College’s commitment to providing reasonable adjustments to ensure that learners with disabilities, medical conditions, or specific learning needs are not unfairly disadvantaged in accessing teaching, learning, or assessment. This policy ensures compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and awarding body requirements.
Scope
This policy applies to:
All learners enrolled at Orvanta Open College.
All programmes and qualifications delivered through distance and blended learning.
All staff involved in teaching, assessment, and learner support.
Policy Statement
Orvanta Open College is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all learners. Reasonable adjustments will be made where a learner’s disability or specific need would otherwise put them at a substantial disadvantage compared to other learners. Adjustments will not compromise the integrity of the qualification or assessment standards.
Definitions
Reasonable Adjustment: An adaptation made to enable a learner with a disability or specific need to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and competence on equal terms.
Examples include: Extended time for assessments.
Alternative formats for learning materials (e.g., large print, screen reader compatible).
Assistive technologies.
Modified assessment methods, where permitted.
Responsibilities
Learners – must inform the College of any needs as early as possible, supported by appropriate evidence.
Assessors/Tutors – must apply agreed adjustments fairly and consistently.
Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs) – must ensure that reasonable adjustments do not compromise assessment integrity.
Quality Assurance Team – responsible for approving, recording, and monitoring adjustments.
Centre Director – final responsibility for ensuring compliance with legislation and awarding body requirements.
Procedures
Request and Evidence Learners must submit a request for reasonable adjustments, supported by medical evidence or specialist reports where required.
Assessment of Need The Quality Assurance Team will review the request and determine appropriate adjustments in consultation with the learner, tutor, and assessor.
Approval and Implementation Approved adjustments will be confirmed in writing and recorded in the learner’s file.
Adjustments will be implemented by tutors and assessors from the start of the learner’s programme.
Review Adjustments will be monitored throughout the programme and modified if necessary.
Confidentiality
All information relating to a learner’s disability or specific need will be treated as confidential and shared only with relevant staff on a need-to-know basis.
Monitoring and Review
Records of all adjustments will be kept for audit and awarding body inspection.
The effectiveness of adjustments will be reviewed regularly.
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by regulatory changes.
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