11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi

My daughter is visually impaired and I'd like to know if anyone knows of any children with the same problem who've taken the 11+ in the Essex area. In normal school conditions she has papers enlarged for ease of reading and is allowed extra time for exams (to allow for eyes re-adjusting and concentration - it's more tiring for kids with VI to read).

Our specialist VI teacher who visits the school regularly to check that all is well education wise has said that the CSSE aren't very sympathetic to these problems - they'll provide enlarged papers, but no extra time. Even with intervention from the RNIB they wouldn't budge last year.

Any advice or stories - successful or not, are welcomed

Thanks

I think I just PMed you but as never done it before not sure if it worked!

Hi, Mumoftwins, have sent you a PM.

Mum of Twins, suggest you also read the forum on appeals. There is a thread called appeal for a disabled child, and on page 2, a mesage from a parent who threatened judicial review and forced Essex to agree to extra time.
Have you also looked at the SEN forum

Only just seen your post. Hope this isn't too late. It may be a good idea to contact the school where your DD will take the 11+ (as well as the CSSE) and ask them about having the papers being enlarged and any extra time allowed. A number of years ago there was a girl at Westcliff who was visually impared, and the school was very accomodating. She had text book pages enlarged (by a member of staff employed specifically for her) and teachers were advised what colour pens were easier for her to see on the board. As the schools have accomodated VI children in the past, I am sure they will look after your DD. I hope all goes well.