What reasonable adjustments mean in school
Under the Equality Act 2010, schools have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils — and many children (including autistic and pupils) are covered by this duty.
The aim is simple: a disabled pupil should not be placed at a substantial disadvantage compared with non-disabled peers.
Examples of reasonable adjustments
- Allowing ear defenders, fidgets or chewable jewellery
- Adjusting uniform requirements (e.g. softer fabric, no tie)
- A quiet space at break or lunch
- Movement breaks during lessons
- Reducing copying from the board, using a laptop, or printed handouts
- Pre-warning of fire drills, supply teachers and changes
- Extra time in assessments
- Adapted homework expectations
- Calm, low-shame behaviour responses
- Late-arrival / early-leave to avoid busy corridors
How to request them
- Ask in writing for a meeting with the and class teacher.
- Explain the disadvantage your child is facing.
- Suggest the adjustments you think would help, drawing on what works at home.
- Ask for adjustments to be recorded in a support plan and reviewed.
What to do if they are refused
Ask for the reasons in writing. Reasonable adjustments are a legal duty, not a favour. If you are refused without good reason, you can raise a formal complaint, contact , or seek legal advice on disability discrimination.
Key message
Adjustments do not give your child an unfair advantage — they remove a barrier so they can access learning like everyone else.