Education and learning

Most blind and partially sighted children are educated in mainstream schools, or in special schools that do not specialise in vision impairment.

In this section you'll find information about how to support children's education, from the early years to transition into adulthood and life beyond school. This includes how to secure the right support for your child in nursery and school through a process of assessment and specifically tailored support.

Young children’s education

SEN reforms

New legislation brought about by the Children and Families Act 2014, means that statements for special educational needs will be replaced by Education, Health and Care Plans. The principle of setting out what an individual child needs remains the same. Changes only affect families living in England. We have now updated our content to reflect these changes. 

School, college and university

School is a big part of your life and we have advice around choosing subjects, exams and study skills, after school clubs and activities as well as how to start planning for life after school and moving on to college, uni or work. If you're going to school, college and university, visit Young people for more information and advice. We also have advice if you are looking to start studying as an adult or retraining because of sight loss. It is never too late to start learning!

Teaching

We have a large amount of advice and guidance about teaching blind and partially sighted pupils from the early years to secondary education in our Education Professionals section.