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Education Support

Education Support

How we can help

We are here to help ensure that children and young people with vision impairment can access the education they deserve—whether in school, college, or other learning environments. We understand how overwhelming the system can feel, and we are by your side every step of the way. 

Our support includes:

  • A listening ear—we understand the challenges families face and are here to help you feel less alone 
  • Clear, compassionate guidance to help you understand your options 
  • Help navigating the EHCP process, from start to finish 
  • Attending meetings with you, offering advocacy and reassurance 
  • Support during Annual Reviews and help reviewing education plans 
  • Liaising with schools, colleges, and professionals to ensure your child’s needs are met 
  • Workshops and training to build your confidence and skills 

To be eligible for this service, please register you or your child below.

Register with us

Register with us to access support. If you’re under 30, living in Sussex, and have a vision impairment, you can join our community. Parents, carers, and professionals can also register on behalf of a child. Registering with us helps you stay connected with support, events, and opportunities tailored to you.

Register with us

Frequently asked questions

Begin by registering your child with Blatchington Court Trust. Once registered, our Family Support team will be in touch to explore how we can help.

Start by registering your child here. Once registered our team will reach out to discuss your needs and how we can support you.

No, all education advocacy services are free for families registered with Blatchington Court Trust.

Our sessions are designed to build your confidence and knowledge. Topics include navigating the EHCP process, developing advocacy skills and supporting your child’s vision impairment learning journey.

Whilst we do not provide legal representation, we can support you through First-Tier SEND tribunal appeals, help you to understand your rights and connect you with specialist services if needed.

We know how emotionally demanding education journey can be. Our team offers compassionate, confidential support to help you feel heard and empowered. If you or your child needs further emotional support, we also offer a free counselling service. To find out more refer to our wellbeing page. Sessions are confidential, delivered by qualified therapists and offered either face-to-face or online. Most families are offered up to 16 sessions.

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document outlining the support a child with special educational needs requires. We can help with understanding the EHCP process, requesting an EHCP assessment (EHCNA), reviewing and updating existing plans and attending meetings with you for guidance and advocacy.

Yes, we can join you in-person or online for meetings such as Annual Reviews or planning sessions to help advocate for your child’s needs. This depends on team availability, but we will always do our best to support you.

You lead the way – we listen, understand, and support your child’s unique needs and aspirations. A dedicated education advocacy officer will guide you through the process. We will make sure your voice is heard and respected. Together, we will build a personalized plan and collaborate with professionals to help your child thrive in education. Every step is centred around your child’s wellbeing and success.

This service is available to parents and carers of children or young people who are registered with Blatchington Court Trust.

Have more questions?

We are always here to support you. If anything is unclear or you would like a bit more guidance, just reach out - our team will be glad to help.

Contact us

Useful links

Positive Eye logo

Positive Eye

Positive Eye specialises in training on supporting the needs of children with vision impairment

Clear Vision Books logo

Clear Vision Books

Clear Vision Books provide books for vision impaired children.

The Living Paintings Trust logo

The Living Paintings Trust

The Living Paintings Trust create audio tactile books and resources for people who are blind and visually impaired.

Carers Support logo

Carers Support

Supporting all carers of West Sussex, Carers Support has all the information you need regarding carers support services, finances and more.

Contact logo

Contact

Contact is a charity for families with disabled children. They support families, bring families together and help families take action for others.

Thomas Pocklington Trust logo

Thomas Pocklington Trust

Thomas Pocklington Trust is dedicated to building an inclusive and equitable society for blind and partially sighted people.

RNIB logo

RNIB

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), is the UK's leading sight loss charity. They offer practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers.

Guide Dogs logo

Guide Dogs

Guide Dogs is the world’s largest assistance dog organisation. They are world leaders in puppy socialisation and dog training, and the only organisation to breed and train guide dogs in the UK. 

Amaze logo

Amaze

Amaze is a charity that gives information, advice and support to families with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Special Needs Jungle logo

Special Needs Jungle

Special Needs Jungle provides parent-centred information, news, special needs resources and informed opinion about SEND.

IPSEA logo

IPSEA

IPSEA is the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, providing free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND.

Resources

Accessible Reading Resources

Explore our recommendations for Braille, audio, and tactile books designed to make reading accessible and engaging for blind and partially sighted children.

School Equipment for Home Use Guidance

Guidance on accessing specialist equipment at home for vision impaired students.

Upcoming events

Summer BBQ 2026

Saturday July 4, 11:00am

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Goalball UK Sussex experience day!

Thursday July 9, 10:00am

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New ‘Craft Club’ - Under 18’s for BCT clients - ‘Paper Crafts’

Saturday July 11, 10:00am

Book New ‘Craft Club’ - Under 18’s for BCT clients - ‘Paper Crafts’