The NHS long term plan outlines a commitment to bring hearing, sight and dental checks to autistic children and young people and/or those with a learning disability in special schools. Funding for this is included in the primary care service development funding guidance. Integrated care boards (ICBs) need to ensure these checks are in place.
- Sight testing https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/engagement-in-school-eye-testing-for-pupils-in-special-schools-in-england/
We wrote about the initial proof of concept testing Special school eye care service.
As part of the initial proof of concept testing PCC delivered training for the special educational needs (SEN) sight testing programme in 2021. We are therefore best placed to support ICBs to bring this valuable service to children in special schools. We bring together all parties who need to work together to deliver this service. This includes:
- School engagement – highlighting the programmes to schools and capturing expressions of interest through engagement sessions for the SEN schools in your area.
- Market testing – identifying the level of interest by both optometrists and dental contractors in delivering the service through engagement sessions. These sessions can include procurement training for contractors who may not be familiar with responding to opportunities like this one.
- School and service provider matching – once the level of interest is known from both the schools and the market we can match the schools with contractors, including agreeing contracts.
Contact enquiries@pcc-cic.org.uk to find out more.
