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12.3Early opening
If a school needs to open test papers, including modified test papers, more than one hour before a test is due to start, for example to make preparations for a pupil with special assessment needs, it must apply for permission for early opening from the local authority (for local authority maintained schools) or the NAA (for independent schools and academies).
In most cases, schools will be able to make access arrangements by looking at last year’s test papers for guidance. For example, schools can use past papers to prepare readers or amanuenses, or to decide how to separate a test into sections.
Making an application for more than one hour early opening
Applications for permission for early opening must be made online at www.naa.org.uk/tests (see section 12.13 for details on accessing the ‘Test forms’ section of the NAA website) during the period November 2007 to 5pm on 3 March 2008.
Applications from local authority maintained schools are processed by their local authority. Local authority maintained schools should contact their local authority key stage 2 assessment coordinator if they need further advice on how to complete the application.
Applications from independent schools and academies are processed by the NAA. Independent schools and academies should contact the national curriculum tests helpline on 08700 60 60 40 if they need further advice on how to complete the application.
All requests for early opening must be submitted by 5pm on 3 March 2008. Applications will only be considered after this date if they relate to a pupil who joined the school on or after 1 February 2008 or whose special educational needs have recently significantly changed. To make an application after 3 March 2008, local authority maintained schools with pupils in this category should contact their local authority, and independent schools and academies should contact the national curriculum tests helpline on 08700 60 60 40 and ask to speak to the early opening coordinator.
From time to time, schools should log in to the ‘Test forms’ section of the NAA website at www.naa.org.uk/tests to respond to any requests for further information or find out whether an application has been approved. All requests for early opening will be processed by 18 April 2008.
In what circumstances will permission be given for early opening?
Schools will only be given permission to open papers early if they need to prepare apparatus or make adaptations to text. For example, early opening may be appropriate when:
- preparations need to be made for the use of modified large print or braille versions of the tests, such as setting up visual scanning equipment or preparing tactile examples
- some or all of a test needs to be enlarged to a particular font size for a pupil with visual impairment
- a pupil uses apparatus or adaptations to text as part of normal classroom practice that cannot be prepared in the hour before the start of the test (the pupil will usually be at School Action Plus of the SEN code of practice or have a statement of special educational needs)
- communicators or signers need to coordinate the presentation of a test to a large number of pupils with hearing impairment or pupils who use sign language.
In exceptional circumstances, if a translator is not going to be available when the written mathematics and science tests are administered, early opening or a timetable variation may be allowed.
In what circumstances will permission not be given for early opening?
Early opening to prepare apparatus or make adaptations to text is not appropriate when, for example:
- a pupil is working below the level of the test and would not benefit from taking part in the test, even with access arrangements
- a pupil does not use apparatus or adaptations to text as part of normal classroom practice
- a pupil’s needs would be better catered for by other access arrangements such as rest breaks and/or working in a separate room.
Early opening of modified tests
If schools feel they need to open modified tests early, they should request permission for early opening in the usual way.
Schools may open and assemble models supplied for the modified large print and braille tests for mathematics and science up to two school days before the test (the exact date is stated on the cover of Guidance notes: model packs).
Modified versions of the test papers come with Modified subject-specific guidance for administering the tests. These may be opened one school day before the test (the exact date is stated on the booklet’s front cover).
The content of the guidance is strictly confidential and must not be passed on or circulated in any way.
The Modified test administrators’ guide may be downloaded from the NAA website at www.naa.org.uk/tests from February 2008.
How early can tests be opened?
When a school is given permission for early opening, test papers may be opened up to one school day before the test is due to start.
Early opening of more than one school day
A very small number of schools may need longer than one school day to make arrangements (for example if a teacher needs to make preparations for a large number of pupils with visual or hearing impairment or other special educational needs). In such cases, schools must write to the NAA giving precise reasons for needing more time. Written requests should be sent to the early opening coordinator, NAA, 29 Bolton Street, London W1J 8BT to arrive by 5pm on 3 March 2008 or emailed to earlyopening@naa.org.uk.
Security arrangements for early opening
Schools must receive written confirmation from their local authority or the NAA before opening tests early.
Only the headteacher or a person making adaptations to test papers should have access to the test papers they have opened early. The headteacher is responsible for safeguarding the security and confidentiality of test materials at the school.