An episode of BBC Radio 4’s In Touch programme is dedicated to shining a spotlight on the vital role of specialist education for vision impaired students. Presented by Peter White through a powerful set of interviews, the programme explored the benefits of specialist education and the difficulties in obtaining funding to access specialist provisions.

Interviewees included Rachel Perks, Principal of NCW; Suzanne Hollinshead, a parent of a current NCW student; and other guests including former students—among them, Peter White himself.

The feature explores how specialist schools like NCW can be transformative for the life chances of young people with vision impairment—and why funding and policy support are urgently needed to ensure all students can choose and benefit from the right education for them.

Peter also talks about the campaign work at NCW raising awareness of the importance of special schools and the link to positive outcomes for work and careers. Specialist education is a lifeline for students who find it impossible to thrive in a mainstream environment, but awareness of the choices available and obtaining funding for a specialist provision is a battle for those young people and their families.

Visit our campaign page to find out more.