About Student A
Student A is home educated and was referred to CENMAC for support to enable her to complete her work independently. She did not previously have access to any assistive technology but it was important that the correct technology was in place as this would also be needed for her GCSE exams.
Assessment using SETT framework
CENMAC uses the SETT framework a four component model developed by Joy Smiley Zabala, Ed.D. The tool reflects our person-centred approach by placing the child or young person at the heart of the decision-making process.
During the initial assessment, the student was able to indicate what type of software would be most beneficial using the SETT framework.
Recommended Software
Advisory teacher Wayne gave Student A opportunities to trial different software packages but found Equatio by Everway, and Microsoft Office with One Note the most appropriate for her studies.
Case Study Student A – GCSE Maths Exam Support
SETT Framework used by CENMAC during the assessment.
Recommended Hardware
Student A expressed that she preferred a larger screen laptop and found the HP Envy most suitable for her coursework and used a Galaxy Notebook to complete her GCSE Maths exam.
The exam laptop was issued to the education provider in advance of the exam, and the student was able to familiarise herself with the laptop before the exam. This helped her to feel confident in using the equipment and ensure the software worked as needed. The student used Equatio and One Note to complete the paper successfully and she passed her GCSE Maths exam.
Equatio software by Everway
Parent of Student A Perspective
How did you find out about CENMAC?
Parent: The SENCO at my daughter’s specialist school.
How did you find the initial assessment which CENMAC carried out?
Parent: The initial assessment was very good and was conducted at home as that is what suited my daughter best. CENMAC Advisory Teacher Wayne McCullough-Dee was flexible with times available for the assessment and punctual on the day. He was very polite and respectful of daughter’s needs. He kept the assessment quite short but gathered all the information he needed. He took the time to explain everything clearly. He quickly provided the report after the assessment and dealt with the LA to approve funding. It was all very simple and easy and Wayne talked through every stage of the process very well.
Do you feel well supported by CENMAC with the equipment they provided and the support provided?
Parent: Definitely. My daughter is pretty tech savvy so learned her way round the tech fairly quickly, but the introduction to the laptop, the tech available to her, and how it could be used was essential and really helpful. It was delivered in a way that was clear and easy to understand and allowed my daughter to quickly adapt to the technology.
Do you feel CENMAC listens to your views/concerns and provides enough and the right level of support?
Parent: Absolutely. CENMAC always takes the time to listen and add more information where possible. They help fill in any gaps in my knowledge and generally make sure they give a complete response to my needs and requests. They often follow up with additional information if relevant. They always check in to make sure any issues have been resolved and they are happy to engage with other professionals and bodies supporting my daughter.
How does the support look?
Parent: We have had all sorts of support across channels ensuring that whatever we have needed at the time, was made available to us. We have had an initial assessment at home. I usually initiate contact where I need support via email as that generally sits with me better. CENMAC will respond by email but always offer to jump on a video call or phone call if that feels better.
They are always quick to reply and never leave me waiting for a response. They have been happy to engage with other services that are part of my daughter’s network of professionals to ensure her needs are fully met.
Regarding arranging a suitable laptop for exam use, do you feel CENMAC listened to you and your daughter’s views/concerns to ensure the exam laptop was compliant to meet the needs of the exam board?
Parent: Yes, fully. This was wonderful. We have been told that my daughter would not be allowed to keep her laptop in between her exam papers. When I mentioned this to CENMAC, they immediately jumped in with the offer of an additional laptop that could be used for exams and retained by the tutoring centre in between papers. This meant that my daughter could continue to revise between papers. The laptop was not the same as hers but, we were given time to test the laptop before the exams to ensure everything was in working order and that she would know how to use another model. All the assistive technology we needed was uploaded and ready to use.
Did CENMAC make the necessary adaptions to ensure everything was in place before the exam?
Parent: CENMAC gave advice about issues I hadn’t even thought about which was incredibly helpful. They were fully aware and informed of exam board regulations and knew where they would need to support us in terms of ensuring we had the right equipment to meet need but also compliant with exam regulations. Everything was put in place in sufficient time, and we felt so assured that we would not need to worry about any of the tech on the day of exams.
What was the outcome?
Parent: My daughter has been able to study for her exams using the laptop and assistive technology that was provided. She would not have been able to study with a conventional laptop and software.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about your experience with CENMAC so far?
Parent: Only that they have been a lifeline for us. They have gone above and beyond what I would expect. Nothing is ever too much trouble. They plan well, conduct thorough assessments, are quick to provide reports and support when needed. I could not have asked for more from them.
Would you recommend CENMAC to others and why?
Parent: Absolutely. They have made my daughter’s education possible and have been kind, supportive and understanding at every step of the way throughout the process from initial introduction to completing exams.
Is there anything you think that CENMAC can do better to improve the service they provide?
Parent: No. I don’t see any way they can possibly improve.
Student A’s Perspective
What subjects are you doing for your GCSEs?
Student A: GCSE Maths, GCSE Computer Science and Level 3 Diploma in canine care
How have you found having access to the equipment from CENMAC?
Student A: It has been really easy to use. Wayne explained everything to do and gave me time to test and trial the software in case I had any issues. There haven’t been any problems with any software but any questions I had, he was able to answer for me.
How did you find using an exam laptop help you to complete your GCSE exam papers?
Student A: It was really easy to use the laptop. I didn’t have any issues with it. I was able to use Equatio and One Note to complete my papers.
What advice would you give to someone who might need similar help using a laptop from CENMAC to support their learning?
Student A: To be very clear on all your needs so they understand what it is you will need to help you study. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for help as they will always support you.
How have you found the support from CENMAC?
Student A: Wayne was very helpful at the assessment. He understood that I found talking to new people difficult and so didn’t try to make me talk to him. He gave me space to try things out before leaving the assessment so we knew what I would be able to use and what software I would find most helpful.
He provided me with an extra laptop when the exam centre wanted to keep my laptop between exam papers. This was very helpful as it meant I could still revise and use the assistive tech I needed to do that.
I know Wayne has been able to answer any questions my mum had so she found it a lot less stressful than it might have been as she has had quick replies and ones that have been very informative and helpful.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Student A: Only to say thank you for making it possible for me to study and take an exam as I could not have done that without the support, laptop and assistive tech CENMAC provided.