Dominic Everett, depute head teacher at the Royal Blind School, on the highs and lows of specialist education.

CV:

Education:

• 1985 to 1990: History, MA Hons and PGCE Secondary Education, University of Glasgow
• 1990/91: PG Cert, Additional Support Needs, University of Strathclyde
• 1991/92: PG Dip, Vision Impairment, University of Edinburgh

Work experience:

• 2016 to present: Depute head teacher, Royal Blind School
• 2011-2016: Education and family services manager, RNIB Scotland
• 1994-2011: Qualified teacher for children and young people with vision impairment, Vision Impairment Resource Centre Uddingston Grammar School, Chartered Teacher from 2003.
• 1993: History and modern studies teacher, Uddingston Grammar School
• 1992: History and modern studies teacher, Columba High School, Coatbridge

Tell us about your job?

I am depute head teacher of the Royal Blind School which provides specialist education to children and young people with vision impairment, including children with other complex needs. I oversee staff development and training, I manage the Royal Blind School Learning Hub and lead our collaboration with East Lothian Council to deliver the East Lothian Vision Impairment Service in the local authority’s schools.

How did you get where you are today?

I’ve always been blind in one eye and have glaucoma in my other eye, and this resulted in me having several operations in my childhood. At 16 I became blind in my other eye and had operations in London and Glasgow to salvage some sight. I missed a year of schooling between 16 and 17, and then went to the vision impairment Resource Centre at Uddingston Grammar School where I successfully applied to the University of Glasgow. When I graduated my sight deteriorated further to the extent that I was told I would not be able to go into teaching as at that time there was a requirement to have good vision in one eye. However, I was put on probation and continued my studies teacher training at the University of Glasgow, where I graduated with distinction and then took up a teaching post in Coatbridge at Columba High School.

Do you have qualifications, and did they help?

I have a range of teaching qualifications which have been vital to me as a specialist vision impairment teacher, and in 2003 I was seconded to the Scottish Sensory Centre to provide support to families of blind and partially sighted children and became involved in a number of European projects.

What’s the most challenging thing about your job?

The most challenging aspect of my job is managing my work/life balance because the job means I have many demands on my time, but I value the fact that my role means I can contribute to discussion on specialist education policy at a national level as well as supporting provision at a local level.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

I’ve never had a bad job! I even enjoyed being a gardener during school holidays – I love working with other people.

Tell us about your biggest career success.

I am very proud that while I was at RNIB Scotland I successfully applied for funding of £500,000 to establish the IRIS service to support 150 families, providing an early intervention support service for children with vision impairment and their families. I also think I’ve got a unique perspective as a person living with vision impairment who has supported pupils both in specialist and mainstream schools. Working with RNIB allowed me to develop a deeper understand of the impact a young person’s vision impairment has on the whole family, and their need for emotional and practical support.

What’s the most important element of a supportive work environment for you?

A hard-working team round about you with a shared vision of taking services forward.

Would your 16-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?

Yes, as when I was 16 I was in absolute crisis, so I think I would be proud of what I’d achieved.

Is the third sector a calling or an accident?

For me it was a calling so I could influence change at a national as well as a local level, and my current role allows me to do both.

What advice would you give to someone interested in your job?

I would advise people to study hard to develop a deep understanding of vision impairment and how it can impact on a young persons’ life. I would advise them to be collegiate, and develop partnerships. It is also important to have a sense of humour!