Wellbeing of children with VI Secondary analysis of MSC Study

John Harris RLSB Sue Keil RNIB Chris Lord NatCen Cheryl Lloyd NatCen 2

Wellbeing Positive aspects of children’s development An outcome for development An important aspect of developmental change 3

Examples of wellbeing Whether child often seems unhappy Child is solitary/tends to play alone How well child works independently 4

Challenges for Children with VI Primary interactions with environment Secondary or mediated interactions Age typical experiences 5

Why use MCS Study Large sample Nationally representative Includes questions about sight (Longitudinal) Data from Parents, Teachers and Children 6

Selection of Children Child as sight problem ( Parent) Child has SEN because of sight (P or T) Child has ever been registered ( Parent) Includes Children with VI plus another SEND 7

Selection of Survey Questions Psychological adjustment Wellbeing at school Friends and relationships Leisure and cultural activities Physical activity Educational aspirations Financial hardship 8

Main findings Children with VI have lower wellbeing compared to sighted children Children with VI and no other SEND show fewer differences compared to sighted children. Children with VI and additional SEND show more differences compared to sighted children 9

Psychological Adjustment Overall 12 differences from 21 questions VI only: Bed wetting and able to do things as well as other children VI plus another SEND -12 differences 10

Wellbeing at School Overall: 8 differences from 15 questions VI only: teacher’s estimate of child’s ability at English VI plus another SEND:- 8 differences 11

Friends and relationships Overall: 12 differences from 18 questions VI only: whether child is picked on or bullied (both teachers and parents) VI plus another SEND 12 differences from 18 questions 12

Leisure and cultural activities Overall: 2 differences from 5 questions VI only: VI children were more likely to visit social networking sites VI plus another SEND: 4 differences from questions 13

Physical Activity Overall: 3 differences from 5 questions VI only: organised sports and journeys on foot VI plus another SEND 4 differences from 5 questions 14

Educational Aspirations Overall: 8 differences from 10 questions VI only: no differences VI plus another SEND: 7 differences 15

Financial hardship Overall: 6 differences from 7 questions VI only: 5 differences VI plus another SEND: 4 out of 7 differences 16

Conclusion Sight impairment is associated with lower levels of wellbeing based on the judgment of parents and teachers. Children with VI and another disability or special educational need are at greatest risk Data invites more detailed analysis 17