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Key Stage 1 and 2 assessments: access arrangements

Prepare for KS1 and 2 SATs with guidance on the types of access arrangements available, which pupils may need additional support and the deadlines for applications.

Last reviewed on 2 November 2023See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 45759
Contents
  1. What are access arrangements?
  2. Who's eligible?
  3. Types of access arrangements
  4. How and when to apply
  5. Make sure you have evidence for monitoring visits
  6. Get help and support

This article is based on the Standards and Testing Agency (STA)’s assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA) and guidance on access arrangements.

What are access arrangements?

They're adjustments you can make to support specific pupils during the Key Stage (KS) 2 National Curriculum tests (KS2 SATs).

The tests are designed so that most pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can participate using the standard versions, but a small number may need additional arrangements.

The support given must never advantage or disadvantage individual pupils. It must not change the test questions, and the answers must be the pupil’s own.

All support should be based on normal classroom practice.

Who's eligible?

An education, health and care (EHC) plan Behavioural, emotional or social difficulties English as an additional language (EAL) or limited fluency in English  Extra provision in school using the SEN support system or whose learning difficulty and/or disability significantly