What are reasonable adjustments at school, and how do I ask for them?

The short answer

A reasonable adjustment changes a policy, practice, aid or service so a disabled pupil is not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared with pupils who are not disabled. The Equality Act 2010 route applies in England, Wales and Scotland; Northern Ireland has a separate disability-discrimination framework under SENDO. Start with the exact disadvantage, not a generic list: what school arrangement creates the barrier, what happens to the child and where? Propose a change and explain how it could reduce that disadvantage. Ask the school to involve the child, consider effectiveness and practical circumstances, record its decision and review the adjustment. A pupil does not need an EHC plan, IDP, CSP or statement before disability adjustments can be considered. Reasonable adjustments and special educational provision may operate together, but they are not the same legal question.

• Link the request to a specific disadvantage caused by a school policy, practice or missing aid.
• Explain the intended effect of the proposed change rather than relying on its popularity.
• Ask how the child can use the adjustment privately and reliably across relevant settings.
• A statutory education plan is not a prerequisite for considering disability adjustments.
• Record the decision, delivery arrangements and review date.
• Use the Equality Act route in Great Britain and the SENDO route in Northern Ireland.