In response to the perceived need to ensure that the language of assessments is user-friendly to all, through this questionnaire we are seeking your views on the development of guidance that aims to:

• bring together existing guidance about principles of language accessibility
• propose that such principles are applied during question setting, rather than later in the process
• provide a reference point for training in the specific expertise needed to review assessment questions in collaboration with subject experts and AOs
• clarify for teachers some of the issues in preparing candidates for qualifications and for setting in-house papers.

The new guidance resulting from this consultation must be considered in the context of the form of the assessment and the knowledge, skills and understanding being assessed.

The questionnaire can be completed online or is at Annex 3 of the PDF version of this consultation. The questionnaire has four parts:

• Part A. Current arrangements for language modification
• Part B. Defining the linguistic needs of different candidates
• Part C. Principles for language accessibility
• Part D. Building expertise in addressing language issues.

If you would like to read more about this subject before completing the questionnaire, please look at the Ofqual commissioned report by language experts Maureen Jefferson and Janet White.