We often get asked what reasonable adjustments can be put in place for non-English speaking candidates or candidates where English isn’t their first language.

All candidates should have a basic understanding of English to be able to complete one of our qualifications. Where this is not the case it may be beneficial to delay the enrolment of the candidate on the course and to help them in finding a suitable English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course to support them with this. There are many great examples across the country where Approved Training Centres and Providers are doing this. One most recently with Swim UK, details of this can be found here.

Where a candidate does have a basic understanding of English, has completed the course, is ready for assessment, and needs additional support our Reasonable Adjustment and Special Consideration policy details what is permitted and what you need to apply directly to RLSS UK Qualifications for.

As an ATC/P you are permitted to allow the use of a bilingual dictionary (hard copy only) and to give up to 25% extra time for the assessment. These adjustments are typical of what can be granted in these circumstances. Where reasonable adjustments have been applied remember these should be recorded on the application form, signed off by the ATC/P and retained with the course paperwork.

The use of a translator is not permitted in the assessment at any time as it is very difficult to ensure the validity of results where they have been used.

Click here for details on contacting RLSS UK Teams