Communication support service
About the Service
The Peripatetic Visual Impairment Service (VIS) is part of the Department for Children, Young People and Learners and is managed by Communication Support Service (CSS).
Specialist teachers work with children and young people who have a diagnosed visual impairment which cannot be fully corrected by glasses.
Service staff work within the child safeguarding procedures of the local authority.
Referral Procedures
Referrals are mainly received from ophthalmology clinics, hospitals and health professionals, though parents and teachers can also refer children to the Service
If there is a concern about a child's vision a medical opinion should be sought in the first instance through the School Nursing Service, family GP or local optometrist
Parental permission is sought prior to any school visit
What does the Service provide?
- Assessment of the functional vision of pupils with a diagnosed visual impairment.
- A written report to include suggestions for future action.
- Advice on maximising functional vision.
- Advisory visits to children whose level of functional vision has implications for developmental progress and/or access to the school curriculum.
- Liaison with other partner agencies as appropriate.
- Regular reporting to families and schools.
- Advice and reports for Statutory Assessment.
Pre-School and Early Years Support
Early intervention is essential to encourage developmental progress. The role of the specialist teacher at this early stage can include home visits to:
- Explain specific visual conditions and the implications for the child's development.
- Give advice on sensory stimulation and appropriate toys and play equipment.
- Monitor the impact of a child's visual impairment upon their development.
- Provide parents/carers with information about educational placements, societies and support groups.
School Age Support
Specialist teachers of the visually impaired visit Croydon LA schools to:
- Provide information about the nature and impact of a pupil's visual impairment.
- Offer disability awareness raising to staff and pupils in relation to visual impairment.
- Offer guidance on visual access and inclusive teaching strategies.
- Give advice on the adaptation of materials and equipment to ensure pupils achieve visual access to the curriculum.
- Advise or give instruction on special skills, e.g. touch-typing, Low Vision Aids.
- Encourage the development of strategies to increase pupil independence.
- Attend reviews on request.
Contact Details
- Contact name
- Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
- Telephone
- 0303 123 9999
- Fax
- 020 7388 2034
- Address
- RNIB Resource Centre,
105 Judd Street,
London WC1H 9NE - Website
- www.rnib.org.uk
- Contact name
- Linda James
- Job title
- Communication Support Service - Visual Impairment
- Department
- CYPL
- Telephone
- 0208 726 6000, x 13530
- linda.james@croydon.gov.uk
