Vision 2020 CYP Subgroup: Scotland update–April 2017
1.Overview: - current situation
1.1.Education was a key battleground in the run up to the Scottish Parliament election back in 2016. It continues to be of focus 2017. The Government have stated that they aim to close the attainment gap and this was a key pledge. A demonstration of the importance of that aim was the move of installing John Swinney MSP as Cabinet Secretary for Education. 2017 has seen a raft of new engagement activities and statements. For example, we have seen comments on streamlining bureaucracy for teachers around the implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence. In addition, the Cabinet Secretary is recommencing discussions with Grant Funded Schools on reaching a new funding model, as agreed in the Doran Review. This is of key interest to Scotland’s main grant funded school for sight loss, the Royal Blind School.
1.2.Review of governance and funding for schools – uncomfortable times or opportunities? The Scottish Government ran a consultation on quite challenging proposals on how schools should be governed and how they receive funding. Apart from comments on improving organisations that train and regulate education staff and inspection processes, other key comments were around devolving some funding directly to head teachers and suggesting the establishment of ‘regional’ education areas. The latter two points have caused much comment from local authorities in respect of perception of diluting their control and role. The consultation provided a platform for the sight loss sector to engage and highlight four key issues for pupils with sight loss and their families, namely the number of qualified teachers for the visually impaired, the number of qualified Habilitation specialists, support for families, and access to the curriculum. In addition, there is the issue of centralised funding for sensory loss service provision potentially being devolved to individual head teachers, who might not have the necessary knowledge on the sector. We await the Government’s report on the consultation.
1.3.Scotland expanding Child Care and Early Learning provision. Continuing on from the focus on improving education, the Government also ran a consultation on the expansion of free hours of child care and early learning provision. This included a focus on the education of relevant staff roles, regulation, governance and inspection. The non-registered and inspected status of the Habilitation workforce was an issue strongly made in Guide Dogs Scotland’s response. This consultation provided the opportunity to raise the importance of Habilitation services as well as highlight the immensely positive impact it has on early learning and development. We await the Government’s report on the consultation.
1.4.Closing the attainment gap for sensory impaired pupils – Scottish Government say they will deliver. The Government reinforced their commitment to include a review of Habilitation services and staffing levels as part of the closing the attainment gap for sensory loss pupils. The Government’s working group is currently focusing on numbers of qualified teachers for the visually impaired (QTVIs), as yet it is unknown what actions are proposed. This could be an indication of future intentions. For example, the Government may acknowledge what is required in respect of QTVIs but if there is no funding to take the actions required then little improvement is likely to occur.
1.5.NHS Scotland’s funded Managed Clinical Network - Visual Impairment Network for Children and Young People(VINCYP) is now in its 3rd year of a 5-year project.There are 5 subgroups all making good progress. All documentsare on the VINCYP website.
1.5.1.Data
This group is looking at the sharing of data to enable a joined up referral pathway. The network continues to concentrateon rolling out the Clinical Audit System (CAS) training to allow identification of our population and enable measurement of quality improvement. The network will support clinicians to ensure data is being inputted consistently by April 2017 on all new patients. Scottish Government have progressed with the planned changes in Registration. CYP under the age of 16 will no longer be registered. VINCYP, via the Clinical Audit System, will provide the information for children and young people.
1.5.2.Mapping
VINCYP completed its mapping work for habilitation and support services in September 2016. The final report has been shared with the Mapping Working Group. VINCYP has ensured that this information is as accurate as possible by reviewing feedback with local authorities and health boards. A final report will be published imminently.
1.5.3.Standards, Guidelines andPathways
Standards and quality indicators have been distributed across Scotland. We have heard anecdotally that these are being used by some Local Authorities
1.5.4.Patient Information and Involvement
Focus is on information and support for parents. The website now holds a number of videos and resources. VINCYP continues to actively include the views of patients and parents in the work of the Network. As well as continuing to build on the strong working relationships with colleagues in the third sector, the group are considering how they can better engage with parents following a relatively low response level to the Patient Survey.
1.5.5.Education and Training
Following CVI (cerebral vision impairment) eventsfor health professionals (2015) and non-health professionals (2016), there is currently a working group considering the next stages of the need for CVI training with a view to a further practical strategies event being held in 2017.
2.Successes
2.1Late 2016 saw the Scottish Government’s working group on closing the attainment gap for pupils with a sensory impairment, reaffirm commitment to focussing on Habilitation provision including staffing levels. This will start after the priority area of QTVI levels is completed. No timescale has been provided for either the ending of QTVI work or the start of the focus on Habilitation. Guide Dogs Scotland maintains a gentle pressure on the Government by regularly having Parliamentary Questions posed on Habilitation and outputs for the working group.
2.2Guide Dogs Children and Young Peoples Service ran a resonance board training session for SAVIE (Scottish Association of Visual Impairment Educators) which was well received by QTVI’s. In April 2017 the Habilitation and Early Years course is being run at the Scottish Sensory Centre.As in previous years it is anticipated that professionals from a range of roles and settings including QTVI’s, Educational Psychologists, Habilitation Specialists, specialist visiting teachers, Rehabilitation workers and specialist school class teachers will attend.
- Future priorities
3.1With reference to point 2.1 we will continue to push on the progress of the review into pupil attainment with particular focus on the provision of Habilitation and the implementation of VINCYP standards and quality indicators.
3.2Follow the progress and development of the VINCYP pathway and ensure that following diagnosis, appropriate referrals are being made across education, social work and 3rd sector.
Colin D. Gallagher
April 2017