Disability policy and strategy

Policy statement

Oxford School of English is committed to equality of opportunity and will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and/or provide reasonable support to students who declare a learning difficulty or disability.

Admissions

If a student or his or her parents or sponsor feels that the student has any specific learning requirements or special needs (for example dyslexia) or physical disabilities, then they are strongly urged to declare them at the application stage. In this way the school can ensure that as a school we are in a position to consider any such requirements in a professional and appropriate manner. All declared special needs or disabilities will be assessed by the school (usually by the Academic Manager or the Principal) on a case by case basis. In some cases the school may feel that it does not have the resources or expertise to deal with certain levels of need, and this will be communicated to the parents or student concerned prior to arrival in the UK. Where the school judges that it cannot properly accommodate a student’s special needs through reasonable adjustment, the school reserves the right to refuse admission. Please note that currently the school has wheelchair access but may be unsuitable for students with visual impairment.

Subsequent identification

If a special need or disability is not disclosed at the time of booking but is identified after arrival at Oxford School of English, then the school will discuss options for special provision as appropriate with the student and/or his or her parent or sponsor. Please note that the school does not offer a service for identifying special needs and does not have specialist resources to do so. If it becomes clear that we cannot adequately deal with the student’s particular needs through reasonable adjustment or by providing additional support (usually at additional cost), the school will endeavour to find a more appropriate provider in the UK or will make arrangements for the student to return home.

Compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995

Oxford School of English seeks to comply in all respects with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

What is a disability?

A disability is any physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term (lasting over 12 months) adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

Oxford School of English has two main duties under the DDA: Not to treat disabled people less favourably than non-disabled people for reasons related to their disability without justification; To make reasonable adjustments so that a disabled person is not placed at a substantial disadvantage by comparison with an individual without a disability.

Disclosure

All staff and students are invited to disclose disabilities. The school will strive to create an atmosphere which is positive and supportive in respect of any such disclosure. Disclosed information will be forwarded only with the permission of the disabled person and only on a ‘need to know' basis. Otherwise disclosed information will be kept strictly confidential.

Anticipatory Adjustments

The DDA places responsibility on the school to anticipate adjustments that may be required for future students or applicants. The school will therefore consider disability issues when planning future ventures.

Course Materials

All teaching staff should consider how material might be presented in a way accessible to a wider audience if required, for example, adoption of a sans serif font of at least 12-point size in handouts, or printing on coloured paper to provide appropriate contrast. Coloured overlays are available at reception.

Examinations

The school will seek to comply with arrangements for examinations for internal and external candidates with disabilities in line with the regulations of the examining bodies (currently UCLES and ETS).

These may include

  • Allocation of extra time and rest breaks;

  • Use of a computer;

  • Provision of examination papers in large print.

The Director of Studies is responsible for notifying the appropriate authorities of candidates who have been permitted to take examinations under special conditions.

Health and Safety

Health and safety considerations override disability rights considerations, and safety might be a justifiable reason for treating a disabled person differently. However, it is important that a risk assessment be carried out by the Principal so that an objective assessment can be made of the situation. The school recognises that a disabled person is entitled to accept the same level of risk as an able-bodied person, providing the risk presented to other people is acceptable.

Maintenance of Academic and Professional Standards

All reasonable efforts will be made to provide equivalent academic and professional training to disabled people. However, the school cannot compromise academic or professional standards in order to adjust for disabilities.

June 2023
This policy is reviewed on an annual basis. However, if any issues relating to the policy should arise, the policy will be reviewed immediately.
Date of next scheduled review: June 2024