In this newsflash, we would like to draw your attention to three items:
New Ofqual guidance on making assessments more accessible for students:
On 12 May, Ofqual published new guidance on making assessments more accessible for students following a 12-week consultation.
There was strong support from respondents, students and their representatives, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The new statutory guidance explains that, when designing and developing exams and assessments, awarding organisations should:
- use accessible and appropriate language
- use clear and consistent layout
- use source material, context, images and colour in ways that do not advantage or disadvantage students
- consider how Reasonable Adjustments could be made to the exam or assessment to make sure disabled students are not disadvantaged
The decisions following consultation and a summary of the guidance have also been published.
Further information is available in this news story.
Senior mental health lead training:
Senior mental health lead training helps develop the knowledge and skills of school or college leaders, to implement an effective approach to promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing.
The Department for Education have extended funding for this training, offering it to thousands more schools and colleges this financial year. A senior member of school or college staff can apply for a £1,200 grant to access quality assured training.
You can now apply for a senior mental health lead grant, to commence training up to 31 March 2023.
Find out how to apply here.
Anti-bullying support:
To help schools and colleges to champion respect and tolerance, the department have confirmed further funding to five leading organisations to continue supporting schools in tackling bullying until March 2023. These organisations will continue to deliver projects and programmes that offer training and support to tackle all forms of bullying.
The five organisations are:
- National Children’s Bureau (Anti-Bullying Alliance)
- Diversity Role Models
- Equaliteach
- Anne Frank Trust
- The Diana Award
Find out more about the grants here.
SEND & Alternative Provision Directorate| Families Group| gov.uk/dfe | @education.gov.uk | fb.com/education.gov.uk
For the latest information about the SEND & AP Green Paper consultation, please click on the picture below to access the campaign page (or visit: https://sendreview.campaign.gov.uk/)