The SEND Children’s Vision Team is a team of specialist staff who have expertise in visual impairment. We support children and young people aged 0 to 25 living in Newcastle with a diagnosed visual impairment.
Most children are referred to us directly from health, but we have open referrals. This means that anyone, including parents, carers and schools, can make a referral to our service.
Full details about what we offer is on our Children's Vision Team - Service to Schools page.
You can make a referral for this service by completing the Referral to Children's Team form and then emailing it to kathryn.fuller@newcastle.gov.uk.
We give advice on:
- eye conditions
- classroom management
- risk assessments
- environmental audits
- access arrangements for examinations
- transition.
We can also:
- teach and support children with a diagnosed visual impairment
- provide specialist teaching of Braille, assistive and access technology
- provide ongoing assessment of functional vision
- support and advise on the use of specialist equipment and training in the use of low vision aids e.g. magnification
- prepare and provide enlarged/modified learning materials, Braille, tactile and auditory resources
- deliver training about raising awareness of visual impairment
- promote independence by providing training in mobility and daily living skills
- work collaboratively with families, professionals and other agencies
- attend and contribute to statutory assessment and annual reviews
- provide direct teaching from a Qualified Teacher of Visual Impairment as appropriate
- promote and develop a child’s emotional wellbeing, social and communication skills
Who to contact
For more information or queries about this service you can email kathryn.fuller@newcastle.gov.uk.