Specialist Support Assistant: - Vision Impairment
The post holder will work directly with pupils aged (0–19), with a vision impairment supporting their access to learning, independence, and overall development.
- Teaching and modelling specialist skills to children and young people, including Braille, early vision skills, habilitation, and the effective use of assistive technology.
- Working with and advising teaching and non‑teaching staff in early years settings, schools, and colleges to promote inclusive practice and ensure that learners with vision impairment can participate fully in the curriculum.
- Supporting families and young children in their homes, helping to strengthen early development and providing guidance on strategies and resources that enhance learning and independence.
The successful applicant will be an experienced and reflective practitioner who is qualified to HLTA or equivalent (NVQ Level 3). They will be able to demonstrate recent and relevant experience of working with children and young people with additional needs. They will be experienced in working with children and young people with vision impairment. They will be knowledgeable about specialist teaching approaches used to support learners with vision impairment They will be confident working both independently and as part of a supportive, collaborative team. This hybrid role requires flexibility to work across Cheshire West and Chester, including schools, council offices and home working.
Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive – through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Cheshire West and Chester Council’s well‑established Vision Support Teaching Service. We are seeking a committed and skilled Specialist Support Assistant to work with children and young people with vision impairment (0–19), supporting their access to learning, independence, and overall development.
Working collaboratively within a dedicated and experienced team, you will play a key role in promoting inclusion and ensuring that learners with vision impairment are fully supported across a range of educational settings.
Candidate requirements
The successful applicant will be an experienced and reflective practitioner who is:
- Qualified to HLTA or equivalent (NVQ Level 3).
- Able to demonstrate recent and relevant experience of working with children and young people with additional needs.
- Experienced in working with children and young people with vision impairment.
- Knowledgeable about specialist teaching approaches used to support learners with vision impairment.
- Confident working both independently and as part of a supportive, collaborative team.
Additional Information
This hybrid role requires flexibility to travel and work across Cheshire West and Chester, including in schools, council offices, homes, and through remote working where appropriate.
If you are passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with a vision impairment and are committed to making a meaningful difference every day, we would love to hear from you.
Grade 7 role at £34 434 term time only 0.88FTE
Please contact Katherine Dixon for further information. Katherine.dixon@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Please note that this job is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
To find out more information about what it is like to work for Cheshire West and Chester Council including our rewards and benefits please see www.cwcrecruitment.co.uk
No candidate will meet every single requirement - if your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you!
Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment. Please see the Equality Policy for more information.
Cheshire West and Chester Council have adopted a Local Living Wage for our employees which means that all employees will receive a minimum of £12.60 per hour for all contracted hours.
For any technical enquiries please email Sourcingteam@ecwip.co.uk and quote job reference number in all correspondence.