Haringey's Sensory Support Team - Vision, consists of specialist advisory teachers (QTVIs), a specialist support worker, and a Habilitation Specialist (mobility and independent living skills) who offer a range of support for children and young people with a diagnosis of vision impairment.
We work in all Haringey mainstream educational settings and become involved with families and children from their diagnosis, often as young babies.
Our work includes supporting and advising teaching staff, families, and carers throughout a child's educational journey.
- regular visits to educational settings to ensure staff have a good understanding of any relevant vision impairments
- advise on reasonable adjustments to enable full curriculum access; provide vision profiles and undertake functional vision assessments
- training of school staff on how to modify/adapt learning materials and resources
- contribution to formal assessments, such as Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) and attending annual reviews
- provision of specialist equipment and training, such as electronic magnifiers, if needed
- specialised individual teaching, including Braille when appropriate
Support for children in educational settings
- transition support to help during significant transitions (e.g., starting school or moving to secondary school)
- regular 1:1 meetings with students to support social and emotional well-being and to develop self-efficacy skills
Support for parents, carers, and families
For children under 5:
- we provide support in settings (nurseries, childminders, carers) to encourage the development of early social skills through guided play, foster the development of early independence skills, conduct environmental safety audits, train staff, help with transitions into new settings, and provide vision profiles
- we support families and carers through home visits and regular contact to help them understand their child's diagnosis and its wider implications. We also signpost any relevant information and support available in the borough
- we liaise with medical professionals about developmental issues
Mobility and independent living skills
Our Habilitation Specialist teaches children and young people with vision impairment to:
- travel safely and independently inside/outside settings, including crossing roads, bus/train travel
- develop orientation skills using landmarks, clues and cues
- develop independent living skills, including home visits to support families
- provide sighted guide training for people working with a child or young person with a vision impairment
- conduct environmental audits to ensure settings are risk-assessed for students with a vision impairment
Access our services
Referrals
If a medical practitioner confirms a child's vision impairment, referrals can be sent directly to the team. Specialist hospitals also send referrals directly to the service following appointments.
Signed consent must be given by the parent/carer.
Additional support and resources
Search our SEND directory for resources, services, and support based on age, need, and type of assistance.
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