Children, young people and education
Our information, products and services support blind and partially sighted children and young people, their families and professionals across the UK.
This includes children and young people with additional disabilities and complex needs. Find out more about children and young people with vision impairment.
Coronavirus: How we are helping parents of children and young people with vision impairment
The combined impact of school closures, social distancing and self-isolation presents unique challenges to our community and we are doing all we can to help the parents of children and young people with vision impairment (VI).
Following the announcement of further national lockdown in January 2021 and subsequent school closures, we are continuing to support families affected. In addition to our usual provision, we have some new activities to help families during the coronavirus pandemic and the current national lockdown.
Our Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) team in our Sight Loss Advice Service are available to support with advice and information, so please call them on 0303 123 9999 or email [email protected].
During the period of national lockdown, schools, alternative provision, special schools and colleges will remain open to vulnerable children and young people and the children of critical workers only. All other children and students will learn remotely until February half term.
We continue to call on the government to ensure that children with VI are able to access learning, either in school or online remotely. Also that alternative arrangements for awarding exam grades take account of the specific needs of pupils with VI.
We are aware that remote learning, digital access and the impact of school closures raise specific issues for children and young people with VI.
We have information for education professionals regarding coronavirus and the delivery of education and specialist support.
We have compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions by parents on Sight Advice FAQ.
If you have any questions or queries for our CYPF team, please post on our Parents and Carers Facebook page or email the team at [email protected] using the subject 'How RNIB can help'.
Children, young people and education services
For details about our services in other parts of the UK, please visit:
RNIB Bookshare
RNIB Bookshare is a free online resource which provides UK curriculum materials in a range of accessible formats that can be adapted to suit the personal reading needs of learners who cannot read standard print, including those with vision impairment or dyslexia, giving them the same educational opportunities as their peers.
Sign up to RNIB Bookshare todaySafeguarding
It is important to us that everyone that accesses our services is safe and supported. Find out more about our safeguarding policy.