Just in case anyone hasn't seen this,

Claire

-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 25 March 2009 14:53
Subject: Urgent: DSAs Needs Assessment Reports


Dear Colleagues

I have recently been receiving an increasing  number of complaints from
HEI's, that an increasing number of students, when assessed for DSAs,
are being granted 10 hours of study skills support in the first
instance, and advised that they may need to be re-assessed, or 'topped
up' at a later date.

This is having a significant impact on the students concerned in terms
of receiving the necessary and appropriate level of support, and in some
cases, may cause students considerable distress and impede their ability
to continue with their studies.

Could I re-iterate a couple of points?

1) The Needs Assessment Report (NAR) should give an estimate of the
amount of study skills support a student needs to work on a level
playing field with other students.

2) This should be in line with the recommendations on the evidence
received with respect to the students disability.

3) On the basis of the NAR, an ILP should be developed by the study
skills tutor to evidence the way in which that support will facilitate
the progress and learning of the student concerned.

4) Once that has been received by Student Finance England, the
appropriate amount of financial support, if in line with the evidence,
NAR and ILP will be released, whether that be 5 hours, 10 hours, 30
hours, or what is appropriate to the student's needs, within the caps
set for DSAs by DIUS.

5) Student Finance England agrees in advance of the receipt of an  ILP
or NAR that the funds for 10 hours of support will be released. This is
to allow students to receive support while the details of their ILP are
being worked out and agreed. It is not the role of Needs Assessment or
Access Centres to limit students to 10 hours of study skills support.

6) If it becomes apparent that a 10 hour cap is being applied
unnecessarily by Needs Assessment/Access Centres, we would consider that
this is potentially substantially disadvantaging some students.  The SLC
will take corrective action to remove these barriers to a student's
progress.

7) If it becomes apparent that a 10 hour cap is being applied and
evidence emerges that it is being applied as a means to fund unnecessary
student re-assessments, we will also take appropriate action.

I'm sure I don't need to remind you of your Legal and Professional
obligations to the needs of students with disabilities. I'm also sure
that I don't need to remind you that as the Student Finance Service in
England is now centralised, that auditing and quality checking will be a
process monitored and expedited through centralised statistical
information, and concerns raised centrally by HEI's, Students,
Stakeholders, and Disability Officers.

We recognise and acknowledge  that the majority of you are working very
hard and to the highest standards to ensure that Students receive the
most appropriate support for their studies. If cases do come to light
where this is not happening, we will investigate those cases, and where
appropriate, pass on to the appropriate bodies.

Yours faithfully


Chris Dunlop
Diversity Manager
Student Loans Company
2W, 100 Bothwell Street
Glasgow
G2 7JD


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