Education advice

To learn effectively, children with aniridia often need additional help. ‘Special educational needs’ (SEN) services vary greatly across the UK. 

Aniridia also affects everyone differently so each child has to be considered individually.

We can give guidance on how to get and give them the support they require.

If you are a part of Aniridia Network and have a question or want information, about this or other subjects contact our Enquiries team enquiries@aniridia.org.uk which includes Lyn and Clive our expert Education Adviser and SEN Adocate.

Resources

Aniridia Passports

We have created a range of pupil passport samples and templates . These explain what aniridia is, how it affects a child at school or nursery and ways to adapt provision to support a child’s learning and social skills. You will be able to create a resource tailor made for your child.

Education and Health Care Plan : Appendix 1 for child with aniridia

We have created a resource to help parents/carers complete the Appendix 1 assessment form, about children with aniridia.

UK Government information

The Children and Families Act 2014, brought in Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans to replace Statements that document the support they require. Find out more at the Children with special educational needs and disabilities section of the government website.

SEND Information, Advice and Support Services

Special educational needs and Deaf (SEND) Information and Advice Support (IAS) services provide impartial advice and support to parents of children with conditions such as visual impairments about education. Find the details for the SEND IAS service for the local authority where you live. IAS services were previously known as Parent Partnerships.

Guide Dogs Education Support

The Guide Dogs charity offers expert, independent advice to help those with visually impairments at nursery, school and college.

Independent Parental Special Education Advice (IPSEA)

IPSEA provides free and independent legally based advice on all aspects of special educational needs in England, It does not cover Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. IPSEA is useful for:

• advice on statutory assessment, EHCPs, annual reviews, discrimination and exclusion
• Tribunal Helpline that gives next step advice on appeals and disability discrimination
• model letters for a range of issues
• jargon buster

National Sensory Impairment Partnership (NatSip)

NatSIP is a partnership of organisations working together to improve outcomes for children and young people with sensory impairments. Use them for:

• Model Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP) for children aged 2 to 18.
• Advice on education for young people aged 16 to 25.
• News about SEND.

Early Years Guidance

0-16 months Visual Impairment Guidance For Practitioners by Aniridia Network (pdf)

Based on Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2012 .This guide helps adults, working with children, to understand and support each individual child’s development pathway.

RNIB

Growing, Learning and Playing by RNIB

• What to look for in an Early Years Setting: Choosing a setting
• Focus on Foundation: Practical ideas for inclusion in EY/Reception
• Mobility and Independence: 0-5 years
• Social Inclusion & Bonding in Early Years: Learning to socialise & make friends
• Infant Massage for Children with a Visual Impairment
• Learning Through Play in the Early Years
• Play Guide

The “Developmental Journal for Babies and Children with Visual Impairment”, early intervention materials for professionals is also available.