Exam Access Arrangements Assessor

Job Introduction

Queen Mary’s College is seeking to appoint an Exam Access Arrangements Assessor. We are looking for a proactive, resourceful, and professional individual to join the College’s Exams team. The person appointed will take a lead role within a team of staff who administer all public and internal examinations and assessments and will be responsible for assessing students for exam access arrangements. 

 The College is committed to helping the young people of Basingstoke and the wider area plan for the future so that they can take their next best step into post 16 education and then beyond QMC into higher education, apprenticeships or employment. Exams are a key part of education and take place all through the college year. Their successful deployment is crucial to the success of the College and our students’ progression. Our staff provide a wide range of advisory and support services to help students meet their full potential and assessment for Exam Access Arrangements is a key part of this support. 

We currently serve approximately 2000 students at the College. The student population is primarily Level 3 students studying a broad range of A level and BTEC courses as well as specialist Foundation Learning provision for Entry to L2 learners.  The College prides itself on its inclusivity and the effectiveness of its support systems. 

We are extremely proud of Queen Mary’s College campus and it is a lovely environment in which to work. Over the last few years, having attracted grants and additional funding, we have spent over £20 million in updating, improving and maintaining our site.  The College is set amongst mature woodland on a beautiful site in the heart of Basingstoke which covers approximately 23 acres.  Its educational facilities range from state-of-the-art teaching facilities built in more recent years to buildings that were original to the Shrubbery School first established in the 1950s.  The College operates a commercial theatre, Central Studio, and also a Sports Centre.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Exam Access Arrangements

• To ensure reasonable adjustments are in place to support eligible students to maximise their learning and assessment opportunities. 
• To co-ordinate and carry out the screening and assessment of students for exam access arrangements (in line with JCQ regulations and by set deadlines). 

• To individually identify and assess students’ literacy performance and any additional cognitive processing difficulties in order to confirm the need for readers, scribes, extra time and other access arrangements for their exams at college including establishing each student’s normal way of working in the classroom.
• To ensure that students, curriculum and support staff understand the exam access arrangements that are in place and how they will be applied in an exam situation including working with students on a 1:1 basis to understand how to effectively use their access arrangements.

• Oversee the provision of specialist assistive technology such as the reading pens to ensure they are used effectively and appropriately
• Compile written reports and complete relevant documentation within strict timelines in line with JCQ regulations, ensuring records are maintained using relevant MIS systems. 
• To be accountable for ensuring that the College complies with all access arrangements and assessments criteria and maintaining up to date, accurate records regarding this ready for JCQ inspections. 
• Attend regular college meetings with key staff in order to ensure maximise opportunity for assessment and exam arrangements for high needs learners and those with EHCPs
• To keep up to date with matters relating to additional learning support, including legislation, funding and models of best practice
• To maintain a high level of awareness of the principles of safeguarding and child protection as they apply to vulnerable groups. 

Professional services and liaison

• To liaise with the SENDCO and the EAA Administrator to identify students in need of specialist external assessment
• To liaise with outside agencies to ensure access arrangements are appropriate and evidence-based including local feeder schools, Educational Phycologists, Specialist Teacher Advisors as required
• To support transition processes for students with High Needs to College.
• To build collaborative partnerships with the curriculum areas, to ensure that staff are aware of the Access Arrangements in place for individual students and provide guidance and advice to teaching staff in evidencing the ‘normal way of working’.
• Monitor the distribution of resources and equipment to students where they have been approved for access arrangements. 

General responsibilities

• To record all welfare and support interventions on college systems.        
• To understand the duties and responsibilities arising from College policies and procedures, particularly relating to Safeguarding, Child Protection and Health and Safety.
• Participate in training and development as required. 
• Be committed to the promotion of fundamental British values as defined by the Prevent duty. 
• Any other duties commensurate with the post, as requested by College Leaders. This job description is subject to amendment, from time to time, within the terms of your conditions of employment

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

• Degree or professional qualification and/or experience relating to special educational needs.
• Qualified Teacher
• Qualification in assessing special educational needs and/or assessing Access Arrangements that meets the JCQ requirements for access arrangements assessors.
• Good, general level of education including GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
• Additional training around SEND legislation & Examination Protocol.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• A good understanding of disabilities, learning difficulties and support needs and how these affect learners.
• Experience of providing high quality, personalised learning support to young people including modelling effective study habits and strategies to support academic and personal development.
• Experience of working effectively within an Exams or SEND team in an education setting. 
• A current understanding of the JCQ guidelines and ability to advise curriculum staff regarding Awarding Body and JCQ requirements.
• An understanding of the Equality Act 2010 and the SEND Code of Practice
• Experience of working to, and complying with, policies and procedures, particularly relating to safeguarding, health, safety and welfare 
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, and ability to prioritise workload effectively without close supervision.
• Excellent customer service skills and confident when liaising with parents, students and stakeholders.
• High level of functional IT skills particularly Microsoft Excel and ability to use databases/systems effectively
• Knowledge of assistive software and adaptive technology.
• Skilled in providing learning support and interventions for students whilst maintaining a high level of discretion and confidentiality (including working knowledge of data protection regulations).
• Excellent written and verbal communication including succinct and transparent reporting writing skills 
• Exceptional knowledge and understanding of the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• Knowledge of implementing equality, diversity and inclusion within an educational environment.

Benefits

This role attracts a number of benefits: working as part of a dedicated and professional team, complementary use of the Sports Centre facilities, including the swimming pool, free parking on site, discounted Central Studio tickets, complimentary hot beverages for all staff, INSET and related training activities and development, generous annual leave, employer pension, and subject to service length, sickness and paternity/maternity packages. With a focus on wellbeing including access to counselling.

Contractual Information

For further information and to apply please visit our website www.qmc.ac.uk or alternatively call Sarah Worth on 01256 417500 Ext 5303

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.