Reasonable adjustments

Changes a school must make so a disabled child is not put at a substantial disadvantage. A duty, not a favour.

What it is

Under the Equality Act 2010, schools have an anticipatory duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils so they are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared with pupils who are not disabled.

Anticipatory means the duty exists before any particular child arrives — a school is expected to have thought about it, not to react once asked.

Where it applies

Any pupil who is disabled under the Equality Act definition, which is broader than most people assume and does not require a formal diagnosis or an EHCP. Many children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety disorders, diabetes or epilepsy are covered.

How it works

Adjustments are to policies, practices and procedures, and to the provision of auxiliary aids and services. They are not about physical alterations to buildings, which fall under a separate planning duty.

Examples that come up constantly: leaving lessons early to avoid corridors, ear defenders, a movement break, an adjusted uniform requirement, a different way of recording work, exemption from a detention imposed for a disability-related behaviour.

"Reasonable" takes account of cost, practicality and effect on others. Cost is a factor and it is not a trump card.

What you can ask for

Ask in writing, name the disadvantage you want removed, and use the words "reasonable adjustment" — it invokes a specific legal duty and schools respond differently to it.

Ask for the reasons in writing if it is refused. A refusal that is never written down is one nobody has had to justify.

Punishing a child for behaviour that arises from their disability, without adjustment, can be disability discrimination — including in exclusions.

Where to get help

IPSEA and the Equality Advisory and Support Service. Disability discrimination claims about schools go to the SEND Tribunal, free, within six months.