Does my child need help in exams?
Choose the information that is relevant to your question.
Does my child need help in exams?
1. What you might notice
Your child may struggle to read questions, record answers, sustain attention or manage fatigue under timed conditions. Raise this with the SENCO and exams team early.
2. What to ask
- What difficulties have teachers seen in class and timed assessments?
- Which arrangements might be appropriate, and what evidence or assessment is needed?
- What are the relevant application dates and how will we be told the outcome?
3. What to record — and why
Specific timed-task difficulty: Focuses the discussion on the barrier rather than a requested percentage of extra time.
Support normally used in lessons and tests: JCQ arrangements commonly depend on evidence of need and the candidate’s normal way of working.
Assessments and school’s explanation: Makes clear how the decision was reached and what remains to be checked.
Dates and next action: Avoids leaving preparation until the exam period.
4. An example
Fictional example, not an account of North Cestrian or a particular child.
My child uses a word processor for longer classroom tasks. Please explain whether an exam arrangement is appropriate and what evidence you need.
5. Your next step
Ask for the process and reasons in writing. A diagnosis does not automatically determine an arrangement, and arrangements have different evidence requirements. Seek advice if the explanation remains unclear.
Copy a preparation template
Complete your own copy outside this website. Use only the headings that help; the explanation above shows why each matters.
Does my child need help in exams? — PRIVATE PREPARATION NOTE Specific timed-task difficulty: [Your note] Support normally used in lessons and tests: [Your note] Assessments and school’s explanation: [Your note] Dates and next action: [Your note] Main question or action requested: [Your note] Agreed follow-up: [Your note]
Check the guidance
JCQ: current arrangements and parent guidance
Guidance checked 14 October 2026. Check current rules before formal action.