Support services for class teachers and special needs assistants

Every pupil will have individual needs. Only the pupil with sight loss can really say what they can or cannot see. Find out more about eye conditions here.

Supports services available

Visiting Teacher Service

The Department of Education and Science provides a regionalised visiting teacher service. This service is available from birth and follows through to third level. A visiting teacher visits children with sight loss in their own home, pre-school or classroom. The visiting teacher will carry out an assessment of a child’s needs and provide guidance on the implications of sight loss on teaching and learning, advice on appropriate technology and equipment, arrange for text books to be converted into large print, audio tape or braille and direct teaching of braille, where appropriate. Emphasis is placed on working as a partner with families enabling them to make informed choices in the education of their children. Referral of a child for assessment by a visiting teacher can be requested by parents, schools, eye clinics, NCBI and the Health Service Executive.

For more information call the Visiting teacher service (vision impairment) at the Department of Education and Science on Tel: 090 6474621. Read more about the visiting teacher service.

Resource Teacher Service

In school, children with sight loss can avail of additional teaching support from a resource teacher, or from a visiting teacher and a resource teacher combined. A resource teacher aims to assess a child needs and progress and will set specific learning goals for the child. Parents, resource teachers, visiting teachers and class teachers can also arrange to meet to discuss the needs of the pupil. The resource teacher then provides direct teaching to the pupil, advice to class teachers on appropriate adaptations to the national curriculum and adaptations to teaching and learning strategies.

Special Needs Assistant

A primary or second level school with a pupil with sight loss can appoint a special needs assistant. A special needs assistant can:

• Assist the pupil to board and alight from school buses.

• Assist the pupil, as required, with typing or writing, setting up assistive technology, moving around safely and assistance with everyday tasks such as changing into PE clothes.

• Assist the class teacher with supervision of pupils with sight loss during assembly, recreation, walks, out-of-school visits and other dispersal periods.

• Accompany the pupil who may have to be withdrawn temporarily from the classroom for direct teaching.

Not all pupils with sight loss will require the support of a special needs assistant. The pupil’s level of vision and their own managing skills and abilities will determine whether the assistance of a special needs assistant is needed. A professional who has assessed the child’s needs is in the best position to advise on whether a special needs assistant is required and on the amount of support needed (full-time or for a specific number of hours). The appointment of a special needs assistant should also be discussed with the schools board of management.

To apply to the Special Needs Assistants section of the Department of Education and Science at Tel: 0964-74621 or (01) 873 4700

National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)

NEPS provides a regionalised educational psychological service to pupils in primary and post primary school throughout Ireland. This service is supported by the Department of Education and Science.

For more information contact NEPS on Tel: 01 8892700 or contact your nearest NEPS office.