Support for children with a Vision Impairment

• The team of Specialist Teachers and Specialist Support Assistants work with Children and Young People 0 to 25 years with or without Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in homes, mainstream schools (maintained and academies), some non-maintained nurseries, some specialist provision and in some colleges.

Who the service provides for

• The team support children, young people and their families.
• Support is provided for children who have been diagnosed with a vision impairment.

How the service is accessed

• Referrals are from ophthalmology departments or from relevant medical professionals following the diagnosis.

Support may include

• Support with parents / carers / settings / schools to help them understand the implications of a vision impairment
• Help to develop a child’s auditory and tactile skills
• Help to explain medical information and liaise with ophthalmology
• Monitor and record progress with written reports as necessary
• Contribute to annual review, review meetings and multi-professional meetings
• Loan of specialist equipment as appropriate
• Provide training and advice on maintenance and management of specialist equipment
• Input into SEN support plans
• Carry out site assessments to advise on safe access
• Work with the child/young person as appropriate
• Support to promote mobility and independence
• Liaise with other professional services and agencies
• Advice and support at setting/school transfer
• Advice on classroom management strategies
• Support to ensure access to the curriculum
• Observe in the classroom to support and inform inclusive practice
• Work closely with the class teachers to assess children's educational needs