Managing Supervised Rest Breaks - JCQ 考试考务安排指南

Sep 5, 2026

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Managing supervised rest breaks focuses on the role of the SENCo and exams officers in administering access arrangements under JCQ regulations. It explains why accurate measurement is difficult, yet highlights widespread confusion across centres. The guidance covers eligibility and evidence of disability, SENCo decision-making, the required purpose (not “thinking time”), duration and frequency limits, candidate and invigilator responsibilities, and practical exam-room controls to ensure breaks are delivered correctly without access to question papers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Awarding of supervised rest breaks

The role of the SENCO

Duration

Frequency

The role of the candidate

The role of the invigilator

Conclusion

NOV EMB ER 2 0 2 4 M A N A G I N G S U P E R V I S E D R E S T B R E A K S As a centre-delegated access arrangement, it is difficult to acquire an accurate number of candidates who have access to a supervised rest break and, therefore, the impact of this access arrangement cannot be measured on centres and the workload of exams officers. However, based upon feedback gathered at face-to-face training events and conferences, and the number of email queries received from exams officers relating to the management of supervised rest breaks, there is little doubt that not only are a large number of candidates awarded a supervised rest break(s) during an examination/assessment, but there is also confusion in a significant number of centres about how these breaks should be managed and administered. It is very likely that the number of supervised rest breaks has increased in recent years since JCQ regulations have required centres to explore and trial the option of supervised rest breaks through timed internal tests and/or mock examinations before making an application for 25% extra time for candidates who have an impairment other than a learning difficulty. Supervised rest breaks have particular significance for exams officers as they directly impact upon the exams officer role as these candidates must be roomed and seated appropriately within the exam room, and then managed by invigilators to ensure that these breaks are delivered in accordance with the instructions issued by the SENCo and in line with JCQ regulations. Below are some of the areas which an exams officer should consider/be aware of in relation to supervised rest breaks. Awarding of supervised rest breaks A supervised rest break may be awarded to candidates who have a range of difficulties including cognition and learning needs, communication and interaction needs, a medical condition, sensory and physical needs or social, emotional and mental health needs. The SENCo must only award a supervised rest break to a candidate where: • they are satisfied that the candidate has an impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect, giving rise to persistent and significant difficulties (the candidate is disabled within the meaning of the Equality Act) • there is a genuine need for the arrangement • it is the candidate’s normal way of working within the centre The candidate’s difficulties must be established within the centre and known to a Form Tutor, a Head of Year, the SENCo and/or a senior member of staff with pastoral responsibilities. The role of the SENCO It is the responsibility of the SENCo to understand the Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments document and/or the relevant section of the Instructions for conducting examinations publication and make relevant decisions in line with the regulations. The SENCO must make decisions relating to candidates who require a supervised rest break as they will have a working knowledge of an individual candidate’s needs and how their difficulties impact in the classroom and/or in timed assessments. It is the responsibility of the SENCo to make appropriate and informed decisions based on the JCQ regulations, this includes ensuring that the purpose of a supervised rest break is for a break from the examination and not a break used for ‘thinking time’. Duration The duration of the supervised rest break must be determined by the SENCo based on their knowledge of the candidate’s needs and the candidate’s normal way of working when placed under timed conditions. The SENCo must also consider the timing of breaks if the candidate has more than one examination during the day. The statement that there is no maximum time set for supervised rest breaks has been removed from the regulations. A single supervised rest break should be no more than 30 minutes in duration, although, inmost cases, a supervised rest break will often be shorter than this. A supervised rest break will not

FAQs

Who can be awarded a supervised rest break under the regulations?

A supervised rest break may be awarded when a candidate has an impairment or difficulty with a substantial and long-term adverse effect, a genuine need exists, and it is the candidate’s normal way of working in the centre.

What is the SENCo responsible for regarding supervised rest breaks?

The SENCo must make informed decisions in line with JCQ regulations, including ensuring the break is for a rest from the examination rather than “thinking time.”

How should supervised rest breaks be managed during the exam?

Invigilators must be informed of the location and ensure the candidate has no access to the question paper or answer booklet during the break. Centres must also prepare rooming, seating, and staffing arrangements.

Sep 5, 2026

Upload by Aurelia