Vision impairment support from STLS

Between the ages of 0 to 5 years, we support your child either in your home or at your child's early years settings.

Our team will work with the early years setting and you to make sure your child gets what they need. To do this we will:

• tell the early years setting about your child's vision impairment diagnosis
• talk through strategies to manage behaviours associated with vision impairments
• show you good playing techniques to encourage their development
• support you, and any extended family member, in your home
• create learning goals for your child using multi-sensory or physical/touch education
• give you information on modes of communication
• help with communication tools for information, like braille and large print
• recommend toys, materials and books
• help you become confident making choices for your child
• offer contact with other families and local support network
• attend visits, offer advice, and training to your child's early years setting
• respect your family values
• support transitions into early years settings and school.

Read what other support is available from early years settings.

We will work with you, the education setting, and vision impairment technology specialists to make sure your child gets the support they need. To do this we will:

• tell your child's education setting about their vision impairment
• train staff on your child's vision impairment
• advise staff on how to make the curriculum and their communication more accessible and inclusive
• help with communication tools, like braille and large print
• give advice on specialist equipment like a magnifier or braille notetakers
• support joint planning with education settings and other agencies
• check your child's functional vision and their progress in areas of the specialist visual impairment curriculum
• contribute to an independent learning plan over time
• make sure goals and approaches are consistent between home and school.

Read what other support is available from schools.

Find out more about your child's school options.

We'll write a report and advice when your young person is ready to move on to college or university.

The college can help you if you're in further education by purchasing extra support.

Read what general support is available from post 16 education settings.