Open question

Your Whistleblowers column may give the impression that the OU provides poor service to its 8,000 disabled students and the 4,500 students who choose to take their exams overseas or in special circumstances.

Ms Pugh is an example of the special arrangements we make. We have provided her with numerous additional support services, ranging from a dyslexia assessment and writing workshops to taped course books and special exam arrangements at her home.

Her exam experience in Buenos Aires was exceptional and unfortunate. I did not suggest it was her fault, just a risky choice for a student with special needs when it was clear that we could not guarantee the conditions as we would have in the UK.

Despite this, Ms Pugh gained a good pass grade for the course, and we are willing to continue meeting her needs to the best of our ability.

Judith Fage
Regional director
Open University in London