School staff pass special needs test

Learning support assistants in Bromley have passed a training course focusing on visual impairment.

According to the Bromley News Shopper, eight of the assistants were presented with their certificates at the new sensory support service building in Darrick Wood School, Orpington.

The Greenwich University affiliated course involved a number of pieces of coursework and classroom assessment, reports the paper.

Modules included studies of the eye, preparing learning materials and the promotion of independent living, mobility and play.

The news follows a government announcement that special needs support is to become a central part of Ofsted school inspections.

Launching the new initiative, schools secretary Ed Balls described helping children with special educational needs reach their potential as a "moral imperative".

In addition, parents will also be given extra rights of appeal if they feel that their child's needs have changed or are not being met.

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