The answers to all the questions about NCW and what we can do for children and young people who are blind or vision impaired
Who can go to NCW?
Many children aged 11 to 19 who are blind or vision impaired can benefit from the education and care offered at NCW. We carry out an assessment process to ensure that we can meet the need of the young person.
Are all the students completely blind?
No two students at NCW have exactly the same situation with their vision impairments as individual as they are!
Is there a waiting list?
At the moment there is not a waiting list but we would recommend that families considering NCW start the application process 18 months – 2 years in advance of a desired start date.
Do you take students who are academically gifted?
We can provide high level education for those who are academically gifted, including offering A Levels in the Sciences, Maths and other academic subjects. Subjects are made accessible for all learners who are blind or vision impaired.
Does NCW accept students with Special Educational Needs other than vision impairment?
All students at NCW are blind or vision impaired. Some students have additional needs such as autism, a hearing impairment or social and emotional support needs. Our education, residential and pastoral staff are trained in a range of specialisms in order to support all our students with all of their needs.
Are all the students residential or do travel daily to school?
Approximately a fifth of students at NCW are day students, with the remainder staying overnight and going home at weekends, or for those who live further away being full boarders. As well as Christmas, Easter, Summer and half term holidays, all students go home for one weekend each half term (home weekend) six times a year. We follow Worcestershire schools term dates.
How do I get a place at NCW?
The first step is to get in touch and come and visit – either to a family or open day event or on a one to one visit. You can have a look around, meet some of our staff and students and think whether NCW might be the right place for you!
If it does, we will arrange an assessment (this will be overnight for Residential applicants) to help us decide if we are able to meet the needs of the child. If we can, we will offer you a place and the next step is to apply to your local authority for the funding to be approved.
Who pays for the place?
You will apply to the Local Education Authority where you live for the funding for NCW. This can be a difficult time but we will support you where we can and signpost other organisations who can give advice and help.
Does every student have a teaching assistant?
We have a team of Learning Support Assistants who support students in the classroom and throughout the day, alongside teachers, but students are not allocated someone for themselves and they are able to move around school independently and with their friends.
What happens at the weekend?
At the weekend, there is a programme of activities on offer as well as the NCW Youth Club. Students spend time with their friends and if they have passed the relevant mobility lesson are able to go out and about independently – with staff, friends or on their own.
Jargon Buster!
Different terms for blindness?
You’ll read lots of different ways of referring to people with a vision impairment. At NCW we tend to use “people who are blind or vision impaired.” Other individuals or organisations might use “Partially Sighted”, “Sight Loss” or “visually impaired”.
EHCPs
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legally binding document for children and young people (aged 0–25) in England with significant special educational needs (SEN) or disabilities. It outlines a child’s needs, the necessary, mandated support across education, health, and social care, and intended outcomes.
CVI
Cerebral Visual Impairment (commonly referred to as CVI) is a form of visual impairment caused by the brain not being able to process information from the eyes passing along the visual pathways in the brain. Find out more
