Lakeshore Management College is committed to ensuring that all students, applicants, staff, and visitors are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged by disability, health conditions, or specific learning needs. We recognise our legal and ethical responsibility to make reasonable adjustments so that individuals with disabilities are able to access education, assessment, and support on an equal basis.
Our approach is practical, respectful, and student centred. Adjustments are considered on a case by case basis, with the aim of removing barriers while maintaining academic standards and the integrity of assessment.
This policy is guided by the Equality Act 2010, which places a duty on education providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. This duty is anticipatory, meaning arrangements must be in place before difficulties arise, rather than reacting only once disadvantage has occurred.
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Who This Policy Applies To
This policy applies to:
- Prospective and enrolled students
- Individuals undertaking assessments or interviews
- Staff and visiting lecturers
- Visitors accessing College facilities or services
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Definition of Reasonable Adjustments
A reasonable adjustment is a change, alteration, or support measure that reduces or removes disadvantage caused by a disability or health condition. Adjustments are considered reasonable where they are:
- Effective in removing or reducing disadvantage
- Practical to implement
- Proportionate in cost and resources
- Consistent with academic and professional standards
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Types of Adjustments Offered
Where appropriate, reasonable adjustments may include:
Teaching and Learning
- Adjusted delivery methods
- Provision of learning materials in alternative formats
- Access to assistive technology
- Flexible attendance arrangements where justified
Assessment
- Extra time in examinations or assessments
- Alternative assessment formats where learning outcomes can be met
- Use of assistive software
- Adjusted deadlines where appropriate
Support and Environment
- Physical access adjustments
- Seating or room adjustments
- Access to rest breaks
- Pastoral and academic support referrals
Adjustments do not remove the requirement for students to meet academic standards or learning outcomes.
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Requesting Reasonable Adjustments
Students and applicants are encouraged to disclose disabilities or support needs as early as possible, ideally at the application or enrolment stage. This allows the College to plan appropriate support.
Requests should be supported by relevant medical, diagnostic, or professional evidence where required. All information is handled sensitively and in line with data protection requirements.
Requests can be made by contacting the Student Support Team or via email at:
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Decision Making and Implementation
Each request is considered individually. Decisions are made through consultation with the student and relevant staff to ensure adjustments are appropriate and effective.
Once agreed, reasonable adjustments are documented and communicated to relevant teaching and assessment staff on a need to know basis.
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Confidentiality and Data Protection
Information relating to disability or health conditions is treated as confidential personal data. It is processed in accordance with the College's Data Protection and Privacy Notice and shared only where necessary to implement agreed adjustments.
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Review and Ongoing Support
Adjustments are reviewed periodically, and students are encouraged to discuss any changes in circumstances. What is reasonable may evolve over time, and the College aims to be responsive and flexible within the bounds of academic standards.
If an individual feels that reasonable adjustments have not been adequately considered or implemented, they are encouraged to raise this with the College in the first instance. Complaints will be handled fairly, promptly, and in line with the College's complaints procedure.
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains compliant with legislation, regulatory guidance, and best practice within higher education.
Need support? Contact our Student Support Team at
support@lakeshoremc.uk.