Specialist Centre for Students with Visual Impairments

In This Section

Specialist Centre for Students with Visual Impairments

For details of the VI Specialist Centre local offer, please read the report below.

Specialist Centre for students with Visual Impairments
Team Members	Mrs S Lock - Head of VI VI Teaching Assistants: Mrs M Cornwell Mrs C Greatorex Mrs L Hampton Mrs S Harman Ms M Hayes Mrs A Reilly Mrs E Timblick Administration Assistant Ms K Stofberg
Mission statement	The Specialist Centre provides support for students with vision impairment. We provide support for students that enables them to achieve and work towards independence. "pupils with visual impairment achieve well and play a full part in school life because of the excellent support they receive." Ofsted 2019
Aims and Objectives	Students who attend the Specialist Centre have a Statement of Special Educational Needs with Vision Impairment as their primary need. The Centre provides support for students so that they can work within the main school classes, following the same curriculum as their peers. Support varies according to the identified needs of the individual and their vision impairment. The students are supported by a Qualified Teacher of Children with Visual Impairment (QTVI) along with specialist support staff. Curriculum materials are prepared in the preferred format such as large print and braille as well as a wide range of resources to support students learning. Individual assessments are carried out to identify the most appropriate equipment required to support the students’ access to the curriculum. An additional curriculum of Braille, touch typing/keyboard and life /independent living skills is also provided in 1:1 sessions within the resource. Habilitation officers visit regularly to provide mobility and orientation training in and around the school site to promote and develop independence.
Celebration of success (achievements)	VI students have been recognised as ‘student of the week’ for a variety of achievements, represent the school in sport teams, complete Duke of Edinburgh Award, recognised as Young Achievers and represent the school as part of the choir.
Range of Opportunities	VI students have access to and are encouraged to participate in all opportunities available to all students at the school. As a Centre we regularly take part in ‘Envision’ theatre visits which include a touch tour. Inclusion in all school visits such as the residential Year 7 camp. We encourage participation in extra-curricular activities and currently we have students participating in French club, gardening club and debating club. We meet up with other Specialist Centres and take part in VI related courses such as the 'Look’ mentoring programme. Throughout the year we develop social skills through celebrations such as Christmas.
Facilities	The specialist Centre is located at the heart of the school with a large teaching room, access to computers and magnification equipment. There is also an area dedicated to the production of resources as well as a quite study room.
Enrichment programme	The school has a wide range of activities and clubs that operate at lunchtimes and after school. The Centre can be used at break and lunchtime by students and their friends. At lunchtime there is a homework club to offer support in completing work if needed. Students can also receive help with revision for their examinations.
Useful Web links	RNIB - For a wide range of information on any SI topic but also to buy online from their shop www.rnib.org.uk National Blind Children’s Society for Large print books to buy at high street prices as well as help with ICT equipment. They also run holiday schemes, offer family support and an advocacy service. www.nbcs.org.uk Sight for Surrey is committed to working with blind and partially sighted people in Surrey, and to provide services so they may lead fuller, more independent lives. www.sightforsurrey.org.uk A free, impartial information service for families with children aged 0 to 19 (up to 25 for young people with a disability or special educational need), including a directory of services for parents. www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/family-information-service Specifically for parents of children and young people with SEN www.surreyparentpartnership.org.uk/
Any other information	Visits to the specialist centre by parents and prospective students are welcomed. Before attending the school full time there is an induction programme so that students feel confident about transferring to a secondary setting. If you are a prospective parent or student please contact the Centre to arrange a time to visit. We look forward to welcoming you. Direct line: 01483 747499 Mrs S Lock (Head of Specialist Centre for Students with Vision Impairments).