We are an educational peripatetic service providing support to children who have a significant vision impairment in Darlington.
The primary aim of the Service is to provide appropriate and effective educational support to children and young people with a vision impairment from 0 to 19 years, in order to raise achievement and overcome barriers to learning, through early identification of need.
The Service aims to work in collaboration with teachers, support staff and all other relevant agencies to promote and support inclusive practices and to ensure that children and young people with a vision impairment have full access to a broad and balanced curriculum.
What does the service do?
Assessment of how the pupil uses their vision at home or educational setting. (Functional Vision Assessment).
Advice to parents and the educational setting about the best conditions for learning.
Support and advice on the use of specialist equipment.
Advice and training in accessing ICT and specialist software.
Training and advice on the adaptation of learning materials.
Information on access arrangements for exams.
Provide information, advice and training to parents, nursery, school or college staff.
Offer teaching strategies and how to effectively support pupils with a severe vision impairment. This may involve tactile methods such as braille or moon or use of touch typing.
To liaise with other professionals in Education, Health, Social Care and voluntary organisations.
Develop a support network by providing group social activities for children and their families.
The Service has an open referral system. Referrals can be made by parents, education settings, health visitors, general practitioners, opticians, orthoptists and ophthalmologists.
Level of Support
The level of support offered to each child and family is based on the child’s needs in relation to their level of vision, their stage of development and the knowledge and support that they have around them. We use the NATSIP (National Sensory Impairment Partnership) eligibility criteria to determine support levels.
Are you concerned about a pupil or your child’s vision and have not had your child’s vision checked?
Please click on the link below for information on getting children or young peoples eyes tested.
For more information please the link below to download our booklet or contact Jenny Hill via firstname.lastname@example.org.