Specialist Tutor – QTVI Vision Impairment
Job details
Salary
£30k-£41k (DOE and qualifications)
Role type
Term Time Only
Hours of work
FTE, TTO (40 weeks), 37 hrs p/week
Location
Ullenwood
Location status
Ullenwood
Contract type
Permanent
Interview date
TBA
Closing date
28/09/2025
About the role
Responsible to the Curriculum Manager for Specialist Input, Heads of Learning and Support. To carry out the professional responsibilities of a qualified teacher for learners with vision impairments (QTVI) across all provisions at National Star (Ullenwood, Hereford, Wales).
To support and advise multidisciplinary teams, parents/ carers and other stakeholders in the delivery of high-quality intervention and the implementation of structured learning activities
To support the progress of students with vision impairments that may involve direct assessment, teaching of and/ or advice and guidance.
To support all National Star provisions to ensure learners with vision impairment have maximum access to the curriculum, promoting independence and autonomy and the development of inclusive practice that enable students with vision impairment to reach their potential.
Responsibilities
Assessments:
• To lead on assessments of need (functional vision assessments, specialist assessments etc.) and ensure functional assessments and sensory recommendations/advice/profile are up to date and present for students with VI.
• To work effectively as part of an MDT carrying out joint assessments as and when appropriate.
• To lead on identifying and quantifying recommended QTVI input, in the assessment process, during a student’s programme at National Star.
Teaching:
• To deliver effective teaching for learners with vision impairments
• To provide direct teaching in specialist skills if appropriate, e.g. Braille, ICT, tactile skills, visual skills programmes, independence skills, social and emotional development, and promote the effective use of specific alternative means of communication for students with vision impairments, e.g. Braille, Moon, tactile signing Etc.
• To embed RARPA principles and demonstrate best practice through own delivery, contribute to progress reports and attend EHCP Reviews where appropriate.
Training:
• To contribute to professional learning and development in relation to vision impairment for colleagues across National Star.
• To keep abreast of new resources and approaches to supporting National Star for students with vision impairments so they can be used to inform best practice across all multidisciplinary teams
• To effectively monitor, manage and advise National Star on appropriate resources. Identifying any additional equipment needed as required, both on an individual student and organisation basis.
• To identify strategies and resources to best support learners with vision impairments and liaise with multidisciplinary colleagues effectively.
• To organise and/ or deliver relevant face-to-face or e-learning training to ensure the continued professional development of all staff working with learners with vision impairments.
Other responsibilities:
• Support the MDT to embed areas from specialist sensory impairment curriculums across the college programme as appropriate to individual students with VI. Recognising the additional skills that learners with VI need to enable them to achieve their EHCP outcomes and transition aspirations.
• To lead on maintaining links and work jointly with external vision impairment specialists and partners to meet the needs of learners with vision impairments and raise the profile of sensory impairment provision at national Star e.g. habilitation support.
• To support with maintaining links with external MSI/HI specialists and partners to meet the needs of learners with Multi-Sensory Impairments.
• To promote good eye health and access to eye care for our students with VI and their families.
• To ensure that views of students with vision impairments and their parents/carers inform planning and provision.
• To take the lead on providing transition reports to highlight on going needs, provision and signpost learners and their families/careers to VI support.
• To maintain professional records in order to meet college requirements
• To undertake other duties as may be within the scope of the role and requested by the Heads of Learning and Support and Programme Manager of Learning and Support
Safeguarding
The college takes seriously its responsibility for safeguarding and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young adults at risk and children. Therefore, we require that all staff share this commitment and act accordingly by applying organisational policy and procedure and attending annual safeguarding training
Equality and Diversity
Through personal example and clear action, demonstrate commitment to equality and diversity ensuring quality of access and treatment in employment and service delivery to all.
Health and Safety
Promote the college’s Health and Safety at Work Policy and Procedures and ensure they are implemented effectively within the department
Continuous Professional Development
To be responsible for own professional development by attending courses, self-study, coaching and other training activities including ensuring effective skills in the use of technology. To fulfil the requirements of the college Performance Management process and to take part in Learning Programme’s Support and Development process to support effective working. This includes attending mandatory training as required.
About us
National Star is a growing charity with more than 1,200 staff based in England and Wales. Established more than 50 years ago, we’ve supported hundreds of young people with disabilities to achieve their potential.
Staff benefits
Fantastic career development opportunities and comprehensive induction programme – theory and practical
Free employee minibus service from central Gloucester and central Cheltenham to Ullenwood, Monday to Friday (subject to availability)
Award-winning training
Free use of National Star facilities at Ullenwood, including a heated indoor swimming pool and fitness suite
Westfield medical cover
Life insurance cover
Employee helpline
Contributory pension scheme
Opportunity to purchase a TOTUM discount card
Employee discounts at attractions, high street retailers, supermarkets, utilities and motoring, plus much more
Last reviewed on 11/09/2025