We are an educational peripatetic service providing support to children who have a significant vision impairment in Darlington.

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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.

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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.

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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.