main content Visual Impairment 2008: Staff Awards

Two teaching assistants from schools across the borough have completed the Bromley visual impairment training course. Other support assistants, who work with children and young people with a visual impairment, have also attended the course.

The course was led by Sally Thomas, vision team co-ordinator, of the sensory support service. The assistants who passed the qualification were Suzanne Guy and Christine Stanton. Sally Thomas commented: “The course has again been very successful and the participants have enjoyed and benefited from it".

The two year course is run by the Vision Team which is part of Bromley Council’s children and young people services. The course is accredited by Greenwich University. It has given the teaching assistants the key skills to understand difficulties faced by young people with visual impairments and to support them in schools and pre-schools.

To pass the course, students had to complete assignments and coursework, which included modules on the eye, preparing learning materials, promoting independence, mobility and play and leisure.

Executive councillor for children and young people, Ernest Noad, said: “I am delighted for the individuals concerned. This achievement exemplifies their dedication to the children they work with.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The Bromley Certificate in Visual Impairment course increases the students’ knowledge and understanding of visual impairment, both in mainstream and special schools. It takes two years to complete and is affiliated to Greenwich University. It comprises five pieces of course work and competency work based on eight modules.
• For further information about this News Release, please contact Kevin Gerred, Tel: 020 8313-4024, email kevin.gerred@bromley.gov.uk .
• Further information about Children and Young People Services is available at www.bromley.gov.uk.