Moving through primary school can feel exciting, but it can also bring questions or worries. This guide is to help you feel confident, supported, and proud of who you are at school.
You will find top tips to help you feel comfortable, find your way around, make friends, and get the right help for learning and play. Remember, everyone learns in their own way, and it is okay to ask for support when you need it. There are lots of grownups and tools ready to help you succeed.
This guide is here to remind you that you are not alone, your voice matters, and school should be a place where you feel safe, included, and ready to do your best.
Every school is different—some are big, some are small, and some have special equipment to help you learn. What matters most is that your school helps you feel safe, happy, and ready to learn. If something isn’t working for you, it’s okay to speak up. Your teachers and family want to help you do your best, and you know your sight better than anyone else.
It’s important to know where things are in your school, like your classroom, the toilets, the lunch hall, and the playground. If you’re not sure, ask a grown-up to walk around with you and help you learn the routes. You might also get help from someone called a Habilitation Specialist, who can teach you ways to move around safely and confidently.
Here are some friendly ideas:
If you are a parent of a primary aged pupil, you may find section 9 of the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI) a useful read.
Your school should make changes to help you learn well. These are called “reasonable adjustments”. They might include things like bigger print, special lighting, or extra time to finish work. Your teachers can help you figure out what works best for you, and it’s good to ask for help when you need it.
Technology can help you! You might use:
If you or you parent or carer would like to find out more about access technology, have a read through of our Technology resources.
Sometimes things might feel tricky, and that is okay. Everyone has challenges, and you’re not alone. If something feels hard, talk to a grown-up you trust. You can speak to your QTVI to find out more or access the self-advocacy tool kit for further reading.
If you or your parents or carers would like to read more about support in primary school, check out our Support at School or College guide. You can also contact our Education Information Advice and Guidance Service who are here to help with further information.
Find out about the ways primary schools plan support for blind or partially sighted students, the people who work together to help you, and the tools and ideas that can make school easier and more enjoyable.
Find out more about 'What Support is Available in Primary Schools?'
This online community is for blind and partially sighted students, family and friends, education providers and other staff in the sector. It forms a supportive environment where relevant news, advice, questions and pieces of work can be shared to enable students with visual impairments to get the most out of their time at university.
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