My child with a vision impairment will be leaving school next year. Who can help us plan for the future?

Further information on the support and services in all areas of the UK available to assist young people in their journey through education, and into employment can be found on RNIB's Making the transition from school webpage.

If you live in England and have an EHCP (Education Health and Care Plan), planning for your childs future should begin in the Year 9 "preparing for adulthood" review meeting. If you haven't been offered a review meeting, remind the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) that you need it.

If you don't have an EHCP you should be on "SEN support" and should still have access to support. This could involve professionals from outside the school or college (such as a QTVI or mobility/habilitation officer) as well as school staff.

Whether or not you have an EHCP, the local authority and school are still responsible for making sure your child has the right support in place to enable them to thrive. They are still entitled to adjustments under the Equality Act and entitled to support to develop independence. You may still have an annual review and should expect help and guidance on your future choices.

For further information on ECHPs see What is an EHCP (Education Heath and Care Plan) and what can I expect from it?

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