RNIB strives constantly to raise standards in education and improve the quality of teaching and learning for all children and young people with visual impairment. This section is designed to support education professionals to provide the best possible education and developmental support to blind and partially sighted children and young people.
Encouraging effective practice
We help define effective practice by collecting together relevant external quality standards and outlining RNIB's position statements on key aspects of educational provision.
We have also developed a comprehensive range of effective practice guides around educating children and young people with sight loss from early years to further education in our 'Guidance on teaching and learning' section plus useful resources for education professionals.
Find out about alternative formats and access to examination arrangerments and download our comprehensive list of useful 'education links and contacts'.
Education networks and forums
There some really useful support networks available to education professionals working with children and young people with visual impairment including those with complex needs. These networks help to bring professionals together from a variety of settings to share effective practice, professional development, networking and peer support.
RNIB encourages the discussion and sharing of effective practice through education networks such as VITAL, The Braille Network and VI Forum.
Our education network directory also lists other relevant professionals networks and special interest groups across the UK.
Risk Assessment
All organisations are required to carry out risk assessments in order to identify and minimise hazards. Risk assessments will help to develop plans for putting procedures in place that will increase safety. The presence or involvement of a child or young person who has a vision impairment means that this has to be taken into account in the risk assessment process.
This guide looks at effective ways of assessing risk for children and young people with a vision impairment. We have also prepared a sample risk assessment format, which is available to download.
Other Support
Sense - supporting children and adults who are deafblind
Many professionals will only come across deafblind children very occasionally and may be uncertain how best to support their multi-sensory needs. If you are working with a child who is deafblind, Sense has a Specialist Children Services team who will work in partnership with you, to support you in building on your skills and knowledge to help you develop a holistic view of the children and young people you are working with.
Visit the Sense website to find out more about the most appropriate strategies and interventions to support the children you work with.