This year’s NASS Award winners and finalists once again reflect the remarkable work happening across our special school community - showcasing the creativity, compassion and innovation transforming the lives of children and young people with SEND.
In the first of our features on this year’s finalists and winners, we shine a spotlight on The Children's Trust School’s inspiring project, SEE LIKE ME. Headteacher Launa Randle explains how their initiative invites staff to “see the world through the eyes” of learners with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) — breaking barriers to inclusion through visual understanding.
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At The Children’s Trust School, we believe communication is a fundamental human right. For learners with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) and sensory impairments, communication is shaped by complex physical and sensory needs, especially vision. Many of our pupils face hidden visual challenges, often undiagnosed, that limit their access to the world around them.
SEE LIKE ME was born from a simple but powerful idea: if staff could see the world through the eyes of our pupils, they could better support their communication and inclusion.
Transformative Training
We began with immersive staff development, combining:
- The nationally recognised OCN course: Understanding the Needs of Individuals with PMLD
- Expert consultancy from Positive Eye
- Internal delivery by our QTVI and Communication Lead
Staff explored visual field deficits, fluctuating vision, and the impact of cluttered environments. Simulation spectacles and sensory-rich settings helped them step into the world of a child with PMLD — building empathy and equipping them with personalised strategies.
Embedding Visual Strategies
We shifted our focus from clinical assessments to functional vision in real-world contexts. Strategies included:
- High-contrast objects against black backgrounds
- Reducing environmental clutter
- Focusing on one sensory channel at a time
Staff began wearing black clothing during visual sessions to increase contrast. One pupil using eye gaze technology simply said: “Wearing black is good to see.”
Functional Vision Assessments (FVAs)
We redesigned our FVAs to reflect the lived experience of our learners. These assessments:
- Begin with EHCP reviews and staff insights
- Observe posture, head position, and visual engagement across settings
- Document responses to light, movement, and motivating objects
We ask: What does this child actually see during daily transitions? This question helps us adapt environments and approaches to make every moment more meaningful.
Sharing the Vision
To extend our impact, we created a training documentary — SEE LIKE ME — featuring a 3-minute trailer and a full 16-minute film. It invites educators, families, and communities to rethink how children with PMLD experience the world visually.
The work is also included in the upcoming winter edition 2025 PMLD Link.
Conclusion
SEE LIKE ME is more than a project, it’s a mindset. It asks us to pause and consider: What does this child see? What do they need to connect, communicate, and belong?
When we truly see like them, we begin to understand. And that’s where inclusion begins.
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To read about our other 2025 NASS Award finalists and winners, please visit: https://nasschools.org.uk/announcing-our-2025-nass-award-winners/
Watch a short video about 'SEE LIKE ME': https://youtu.be/YFDJctNj3GE?si=tR96qoiMoxV23Kuw