Our Communicate-ed Conference Venue Update/Refresher training is for anyone involved in the access arrangements process who wishes to update their knowledge for the 2022/23 JCQ regulations. The full day course is approved by the SpLD Assessments Standards Committee (SASC) for 5 core CPD hours (morning only course is 3 core CPD hours). Because it is an update course, it assumes a level of knowledge and experience. Delegates will be required to confirm that they have a good knowledge of the current JCQ regulations. For details of our introductory course, please click here.

This page is for booking our face to face courses in London or Manchester.

If you would prefer to book our Live Virtual Conference, please click here, or for our pre-recorded course booking page, please click here.

The Communicate-ed Conference Venue Update/Refresher training will be on the 2022/23 JCQ Regulations for Access Arrangements.

With reference to the updates to the JCQ regulations for 2022/23, set in the context of the changes over the last few years, the course will cover:

• Applying for AAs online
• AA for candidates with Learning Difficulties/EHCP/Disabilities
• Recommendations for new and established tests
• Assessing while social distancing
• Completion of form 8
• Case studies

There will be a brief Q&A session before lunch, and there will be opportunities to network with colleagues in similar settings at lunchtime.

Full Day delegates will have an extended Q&A session, afternoon seminars (details below) and the opportunity to book 10-minute 1:1 appointments with Caroline Read, Nick Lait (JCQ) and Sue Barnbrook (London only). There will also be a chance to examine 40+ tests.

Afternoon Seminars

Conducting a review of a centre’s access arrangements processes and polices – Lia Castiglione

Lia has supported schools and colleges by conducting in depth reviews of policies and procedures, identifying areas of strength, and those that need improvement. In this session she will explain the process she uses, including consideration of:

• Access arrangements policy and word processor policy – content, audience, review process
• Evidence gathering for pupils requiring access arrangements
• Record keeping for inspection and internal purposes
• Communications with teaching staff, pupils and parents
• Resources, including assessment tools
• Referrals to external agencies

Case Studies Workshop – Emma Smith

This interactive session will review a number of cases studies based on candidates who need access arrangements.

Option to add access to all Virtual Conference seminars

We are offering our FULL DAY venue delegates the chance to add access to all the prerecorded seminars we will be offering our Virtual Conference delegates from 9th September-7th October. You can add this option below when you book for £10, and we will send you a login to our Virtual Conference platform nearer the date. Please click here to see an outline of these seminars.

The course tutors for the morning update/refresher training are Caroline Read and Lia Castiglione.

Nick Lait from JCQ (Manchester and London) and Sue Barnbrook from AQA (London only), will be offering 1:1 10-minute consultations in the afternoon along with Caroline Read, which delegates will be able to book before the day.

Emma Smith will be running a case study discussion during the afternoon and Lia Castiglione will be holding an afternoon seminar.

Caroline Read is Founder & Senior Course Tutor at Communicate-ed. She is a Specialist Teacher with practical experience in all areas of the Access Arrangements process and trains for LAs, Universities and SEN Services. Her book ‘Assessment Guidance for Access Arrangements’ was published by GL Assessment. She contributed to the PATOSS/JCQ publication ‘Dyslexia: Assessing the need for Access Arrangements’, has been published in academic journals, and has worked with various publishers to develop tests. She was part of the working party which set up ‘Access Arrangements Online’ and has contributed to other DfE and Ofqual training/policy projects.

Lia Castiglione is Head of Training at Communicate-ed. She has been teaching and supporting learners of all ages for over 25 years and in varying educational settings. She is a specialist teacher who is highly experienced in all aspects of access arrangements, has held a current Assessment Practising Certificate since 2008 and regularly assesses in schools and colleges. Lia is the co-creator of a postgraduate access arrangements assessor course and is the author of the Patoss/JCQ book, ‘Assessing the Need for Access Arrangements.’ Lia serves on the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC) Board of Directors.

Nick Lait is Chair of the JCQ Special Requirements Committee. His responsibilities include the production of JCQ documents relating to examination administration, such as the JCQ publication Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments and Instructions for Conducting Examinations. Nick provides advice and guidance to schools and colleges, predominately on access arrangements. He has a thorough knowledge of the examination administration system having previously worked with Edexcel for 11 years, in both UK and International exam operations, taking a lead role in the development of Access Arrangements Online.

Sue Barnbrook is Special Requirements & Centre Approval Manager at AQA. She has been involved in the provision of Access Arrangements, Modified Question Papers and Special Consideration at AQA for twenty years. Her current role enables her to explore and action improvements to the exam experience for students with special educational needs and the teachers who support them. Sue is also a member of the JCQ Special Requirements Committee which enables her to work with other awarding body colleagues to ensure a unified approach for all students, wherever possible.

Emma Smith is in charge of Quality Assurance at Include-ed Ltd, Communicate-ed’s sister company. She holds a BA in Business Administration, is a qualified teacher, PAPAA graduate and supports students as an Assessor. Emma also trains on Include-ed’s PAPAA course, giving guidance as to how to approach the various assignments. She regularly carries out assessments in schools and colleges.

Our face to face venues for the Communicate-ed Conference 2022 will be King’s House Conference Centre, Manchester on Tuesday 20th September, and Imperial College, Central London on Wednesday 21st September.

Full venue details and directions will be sent in your confirmation email upon booking.

If you would prefer to attend the Live Virtual Conference without having to travel, this is on Friday 23rd September, please click here for more details.

We also offer a pre-recorded online course for delegates who prefer this option. Please click here for more information.

The morning only session is SASC approved for 3 hours core CPD.

The full day is SASC approved for 5 hours core CPD.

​Lunch is not included in the course price but you can purchase lunch in advance for £10 by adding it to your booking below.