Specialist Teaching Team

We provide support for children and young people who have a vision impairment which has an impact on their education. We're a team of 2 people:

• a qualified Teacher for Vision Impairment
• a qualified Habilitation Officer/Specialist Teaching Assistant

We accept referrals directly from NHS professionals who believe a child or young person has a vision impairment that would benefit from our support service. If you have a concern regarding your child’s vision, ask your GP for a referral to the Eye Clinic, who will assess your child’s vision. If appropriate and with your permission, they will make a referral to the Vision Support Team.

As part of our service we:

• contribute to the child’s initial assessment, annual review and multi-professional meetings; ee'll liaise with you directly, at annual review meetings or at parent group meetings
• work with other agencies including MySight York, Guide Dogs, The Wilberforce Trust and the RNIB
• support your child through the different stages of life from pre-school right up to Further Education and Higher Education or employment by:
  • arranging familiarisation visits
  • environmental audits
  • staff training
  • providing advice on classroom management strategies
  • providing advice on managing learning environment
  • conducting ICT assessments and recommendations along
  • making assessments of mobility needs
• provide support to assist the development of independence and mobility skills and provide advice and training for families and school staff to assist the development of these skills

Equipment

There may be specialist equipment which is important for your child to cater for their vision impairment. We're able to provide advice and training to you and your child’s school or setting on the use of specialist equipment such as text to speech and magnification software as well as braillers.

Supporting your child

It's important that, wherever possible, your child is included in decisions about the support we offer. Your child will be invited to attend review meetings, where their views will be sought. Your child’s views will also be discussed during monitoring visits. We're able to help your child with social and emotional wellbeing and development, through local groups and organisations.

When visiting schools, settings or homes, the team will always wear a City of York staff badge with photograph.

All members of the STT have an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and attend regular safeguarding training.

Find more support online:

• VICTA

Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI)

The Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI) has been developed to support children and young people with vision impairment access an appropriate and equitable education. You can access a short description of the curriculum, where you can download a copy of the framework and access frequently asked questions

Contact Abi Hall the Senior Teacher by email: [email protected].