Publication - Advice and guidance

Teachers of children and young people who are blind or partially sighted, deaf, or deafblind: guidance - consultation - easy read

Published: 8 May 2025
From: Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, +3 more … Director of Learning, Director-General Education and Justice, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise
Directorate: Learning Directorate, +3 more … Children and Families Directorate, Early Learning and Childcare Directorate, Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Education
ISBN: 9781836915867

Easy read version of consultation on the guidance for teachers of children and young people who are blind or partially sighted, deaf, or deafblind.

Supporting documents

Introduction

This document says what qualifications and skills teachers of children and young people who are blind or partially sighted, deaf, or deafblind must have.

The law says all children should get extra support if they need it. This includes making sure their teachers have the right qualifications.

What are the right qualifications?

Teachers should have Masters degree level credits in Visual Impairment Education, Deaf Education or Deafblind Education.

They should also have the knowledge and skills needed to teach and support children and young people who are blind or partially sighted, deaf, or deafblind.

Many of these children also have other complex needs.

Who needs this qualification?

Any teacher who is employed to teach children and young people who are blind or partially sighted, deaf or deafblind must have this qualification.

What skills are needed?

As well as the qualifications, teachers should also have the following skills:

Teachers of children and young people who are blind or partially sighted should have a qualification in English Braille.

A qualification in British Sign Language (BSL).

Each council should employ one teacher of deaf children and young people who has a high level of BSL.

Getting the qualifications

Teachers of children and young people who are blind or partially sighted, deaf, or deafblind who do not have these qualifications should study to get them.

Teachers will need time for study and practice. This should be in a different place from where they work. Teachers should have days of study time

Teachers studying for these qualifications must be registered with the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS).

Teachers should work with children or young people who are blind or partially sighted, deaf, or deafblind while studying for the qualification.

Languages and alternative communication

Teachers should know about alternative methods and aids to support communication and learning.

Transition Period

If a teacher does not have the qualifications needed. they should get it within 3 years. If it is difficult to meet this deadline then other plans should be made.