When a student keeps refusing the same kind of task, the task itself is worth a close look. This audit helps teachers, TAs and support staff check what about a specific task might make it hard to start, before deciding the problem is will.

Staff choose one task, then work through a 24-item Demand Checklist organised into six areas: clarity and start, skill, access and motor, sensory and timing, communication, and meaning and choice. A No or Not sure on any item points to a possible barrier. The What Stands Out page turns those marks into one or two focus areas and a short statement of why the task may be hard to start.

The Modification Menu lists practical changes for each area, such as writing the first step at the top of the page, cutting the number of items while keeping the skill, offering speech-to-text, adding a help or break card, or giving a choice of order. The Plan and Try and Follow-Up pages keep the process to one or two changes at a time, with signs of progress that focus on starting, asking for help and returning after a break rather than compliance.

A Student Voice page lets the student rate parts of the task as easy, OK or hard by pointing, circling or speaking. A completed sample with a made-up student code shows how each form can be filled in.

The audit does not diagnose or label students, and it does not replace a functional behaviour assessment.

What is included:
RF01_Task_Demand_Audit.pdf: 19 pages (cover 1, teacher and parent notes 2, resource pages 11, examples 4, closing 1)
RF01_Teacher_Parent_Notes.pdf: 2 pages (the same notes as a separate file)
RF01_Examples_Key.pdf: 4 pages (the same examples as a separate file)
RF01_Editable_Source.docx: editable Word version of the text and forms (20 pages when rendered; the layout differs from the PDF)

These are general learning resources and not a replacement for individualised plans (EHCP, behaviour support plan, SEN support plan, medical or clinical guidance).

Part of the Refusal Support Series.

Note: printable pages use US English spelling and examples.

Created and classroom tested by a special education teacher, with AI drafting help.