Hear from our community

“I feel I have gained a much better understanding working with deaf children although I felt confident working with my pupil I feel now that I would be able to support other staff within school and give advice [to new teachers] when MG moves up the school.

“I have gained basic knowledge to help support a little deaf boy on my caseload - although he is younger than school entry age - the information I have learnt gives a good insight to what he is to expect when he starts school. I feel I am better equipped to support at Early Foundation stage and have the information, formed connections with the advisory teacher in the area, that has given further direction to improve my work practice.

“On starting this course, I had little knowledge of visual impairments and although we do have students with a VI, I have not been directly involved with their support. I now feel I have a much better understanding of the complexities and range of conditions that affect a person's sight as well as how young people have overcome barriers to go on and achieve. I will be researching two particular eye conditions which relate to students at our college. I will also be reading their EHCPs and support needs. Both of these actions will improve the support I could give should I be required to work with those students. I will look at how we adapt lessons to make them more inclusive for students with a visual impairment and be mindful of the social interaction difficulties that are particular to a VI student. Lastly, the importance of promoting independence and seeing how this can best be achieved or improved has been highlighted by completing this course.

“The training has had an impact on outcomes by helping me develop a better understanding on how to help and develop my pupil’s learning especially in communication. It has also given me different activities to try and help them focus more.