The

Sensory Support Service

VisionNeeds

This Team supports children and young people who have vision needs. We achieve this by working directly with the children themselves, as well as through their carers and teachers. The Team is staffed by teachers who have additional professional qualifications as teachers of children with vision needs. The teachers in the team have a variety of specialties, which include mobility, music and working with pre-school children and families. A Nursery Nurse and a Resource Assistant  / Technician are also part of our Team.

 

Babies and children are supported from their diagnosis and continue to receive support throughout their school years. Our goal is to ensure the full development of each child, helping them achieve their potential and participate fully in a sighted world.

 

We provide a range of services to children, families, teachers and other professionals which include:

 

• Home visits to give regular support and advise on development and equipment. The frequency of the visits vary depending on the child and family’s requirements.

 

• Support when a child attends pre-school placements. This may include training for the nursery staff, monitoring of development or direct teaching for the child.

 

• A weekly group called Explorers for pre-school children and their families. This is held at the Woodside Family Centre in Kingswood, South Gloucestershire.

 

We work closely with schools to ensure a smooth transfer to full-time education for the children in our care. Children in mainstream and special schools are supported according to need.

 

The range of services we provide includes:

 

• Assessment leading to Statements of Special Educational Need.

 

• Assessment of a pupil’s requirements for ICT and recommendations of equipment.

 

• Direct teaching for children with Statements for Vision Impairment.

 

• Ongoing monitoring of pupil’s progress and contribution to their Individual Education Plan.

 

• Support, advice and In Service Training to staff for pupils at all stages of the Code of Practice.

• Modification of materials and the environment.

 

• Advice on the provision of materials in Braille and large print.

 

Most referrals are made by the Bristol Eye Hospital but referrals directly to the Team, from parents, schools and other professionals are welcome.

 

Members of the Team will be pleased to chat informally over the phone prior to a written referral.