Referral Pathway and Support for Children and Young People with Visual Impairment in Early Years

Referral pathway and support for Children and Young People with Visual Impairment in Early Years

• Referral,with consent for involvement, received from hospital (preferably with parents’ phone number).
• County Lead or allocated Specialist Teacher to phone parents within one week to discuss referral and arrange initial visit to home or setting if appropriate. Introductory letter will be sent if there is no phone number.
• Follow-up letter to confirm appointment with VI Team leaflet enclosed.
• Parents are encouraged to share their priorities and concerns during home visit or prior to visit to setting. The Specialist Teacher acknowledges that it is the parents who are the experts on the needs of their child.
• Report sent to parents/setting following visit. NatSIP Eligibility Framework used to determine initial level of support.
• Early Support Record of Developing Vision to be discussed with parents and used to monitor visual functioning. Should be used sensitively for those children whose vision is extremely limited.
• RNIB Guide for Parents to be offered to the family with leaflet giving link to “Let’s Play” guide. Further information available in VI Team Parent Information folder.
• Early Support Developmental Journal for Babies and Children with Visual Impairment may be discussed with parents and used to monitor progress.
• For those children with complex needs it will be more appropriate to use the Developmental Journal for Children and Young People with Multiple Needs.
• Local Offer to be discussed with parents so that they are aware of what is available in terms of sources of information and wider support.
• Referral made to S&CS VI Team if appropriate for support with mobility and independent living skills, following discussion with parents.

Role of Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (QTVI):

• The QTVI will follow up on advice given at the Eye Hospital, giving guidance on visual stimulation and how parents can support the development of their child’s residual vision.
• It may be helpful if the QTVI accompanies parents to appointments at the paediatric Low Vision Clinic at the local Eye Hospital, especially in the early years following diagnosis.
• If VI is primary need theQTVI will offer to accompany parents on visits to settings as the child approaches nursery age.
• The QTVI will advise on Early Years funding and whether an Education and Health Care Plan is needed.
• The QTVI will support transition into a school setting, offering training to staff and guidance on modifications and equipment required to enable access to the curriculum.
• The QTVI will continue to support the child regularly in the setting.

Useful publications for parents:

• Early Support Developmental Journal for CYP with VI/Multiple Needs
• RNIB Guide for Parents
• RNIB Play Guide
• Vision 2020 Guide for Parents

When a referral or enquiry is received direct from setting or parent:

• County Lead to contact setting or parent for more information and to explain referral procedure.
• If it is clear that the child does not meet criteria (e.g. monocular vision, glasses prescribed) general advice to be given about good practice and additional sources of information.
• If there is any uncertainty about whether a referral is needed County Lead to contact Oxford Eye Hospital for advice. County Lead/setting to encourage parents to follow up with GP, high street opticians or OEH if appropriate.

Visual Impairment Team

April 2017