CHILDRENS
Sunnyside Primary
Specialist Staff
All children with a visual impairment have the opportunity to work with experienced staff helping to ensure access to the curriculum. There are also other peripatetic teachers who are involved where necessary, this includes mobility training, touch typing and physiotherapy if required.
Inclusion
Inclusion means that children with a visual impairment are working alongside mainstream pupils across the curriculum. Sometimes specialist skills are taught one to one, eg. Braille or the use of low vision aids. The children are supported in class to enable them to work together with their peers.
Life skills may also be taught in small groups within the Resource base using specialised equipment such as liquid level indicators, talking scales, talking microwave cooker etc. The children have enjoyed making and baking a variety of things which parents sample if they survive the journey home.
Other Activities
We expect children to take part in all areas of the curriculum, though this may involve a more hands-on approach, for example meeting the cast and feeling the props of a visiting theatre group.
We also encourage children to take part in activities organised by the Childrens Service for the Visually Impaired.
When suitable we take part in activities from the Parent Support Group programme - (Parent Support Group) which has in the past included opportunities for residential activity holidays, trips to local facilities such as Hartlepool Historic Quay, Guisborough Forest, Tweddle Farm and Peter Barratts.
Children also have the opportunity to join the Actionnaires Group at the Rainbow Centre on alternative Saturday mornings. They can play games in the sports hall 9am-11am and swimming 11am-12pm (all free of charge). Tel: 01642 592800 for further details.
There is also a Youth Club for visually impaired children at Teesside Society each Friday evening. Tel: 01642 247518.
