FAQ Support Evidence

FAQ Support Evidence

FAQ: Support evidence

What will happen to the evidence I already created that does not have a defined type?

All the existing evidence will be marked as Regular support. You can change the support type by accessing the support instance and selecting it from the top-left corner (above the Adjustments section). You can change from Above and beyond to Regular and vice versa.

If you change the support type, please remember to print a new version of the record to reflect the changes and the additional details added. The learner and the tutor will have to sign the new version as well to ensure compliance.


What is the Support Evidence feature in Cognassist?

Support Evidence is a tool that brings tutors and SEND teams together in one place to log, review, and demonstrate the impact of support provided to learners. It helps ensure compliance with Ofsted and DfE standards by creating clear, consistent records of learner support.

What is the difference between Regular Support and Above and Beyond Support?

Regular support documents the ongoing, expected support provided to all learners as part of routine check-ins. Above and Beyond support records extra effort provided in addition to the standard allocation - such as extra sessions, specialised help, or SEND team involvement.

How do I create a Regular Support record?

Navigate to a learner's profile via the Learner List, go to their Evidence section, create a new record, select "Regular Support," choose a date or date range, link relevant reasonable adjustments or modules, add your evidence and the learner's reflections, then click Save.

Can I select a date range instead of a single date for a support record?

Yes, when creating a support record you can choose either a specific date or a date range to cover the period of support.

What is the coverage checker and what does it do?

The coverage checker is a built-in tool that provides instant feedback on your documentation against Ofsted and DfE standards. It acts as a coaching aid to help improve the quality of entries, but final responsibility for meeting evidence standards remains with the tutor.

Does the coverage checker guarantee my records are compliant?

No. The coverage checker is a coaching tool, not a compliance guarantee. You are the expert and are responsible for ensuring records accurately capture the unique details and nuances of each learner's journey.

What should I include in the evidence and reflections fields?

Evidence should be clear and specific, describing the support you provided since the last meeting. Learner reflections should highlight the impact of that support on their learning journey. On-screen examples are available to guide you toward strong entries.

How do I know if my entry is strong enough?

The right-hand side of the screen shows examples of weak versus strong entries to help guide best practice. The coverage checker also provides tips after you save.

Do learners need to sign off on support records?

Yes. For each support instance, you should download the evidence and have the learner sign it to confirm their agreement. All records should be signed by the learner before finalising, as this is part of the compliance checklist.

Can I edit a support record after saving it?

Yes. Click the edit icon next to the relevant entry and adjust the date, meeting type, or duration as needed.

What should I check before finalising a support record?

Ensure the learner has signed the record, and review your notes one final time for specificity and clarity to confirm the record is audit-ready.


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