In early 2025, Sight Scotland and Hearts and Minds launched a new service for young children with visual impairments.
The pilot project, called Play and Connect, launched in Edinburgh and Glasgow and has seen huge success in providing an innovative programme of play-based activities for ages 0-3. Bringing together sensory play, music, rhythm, and storytelling, these relaxed sessions help children build confidence while providing vital support for their families.
Mhairi and Nate love Play and Connect
Mhairi Murning and her son Nate are absolutely loving Sight Scotland’s Play and Connect sessions in Glasgow. Nate, aged 3, has a visual impairment caused by complications related to his premature birth. He has an identical twin who does not have vision impairment
“Play and Connect has helped Nate so much, it genuinely is the best thing we’ve been to. It’s had a massive impact on his development, interaction, and confidence."
Mhairi says:
“The Clowndoctors are amazing, and they’ve really taken the time to get to know him, understand what he responds to, and what he enjoys. The support from the visually impaired specialists and habilitation experts has also been incredible, helping to tailor the sessions to Nate’s needs and giving us great advice to use at home. We both just love the sessions, you can see that there’s a real connection, and it’s a space where Nate can simply have fun in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
“The sessions also provide brilliant support and feedback for parents, which is just so important. Development is so crucial at an early age, and children with vision impairments obviously learn and explore in different ways, so to have a service like this is just invaluable.”
Early intervention is vital for young children with visual impairment
Play and Connect brings together the specialist skills of teachers for visually impaired children (QTVIs) and habilitation experts with the playful, therapeutic approach of Hearts and Minds’ Clowndoctors. This unique blend creates a safe, inclusive, and fun space for sensory-based play. Through rhythm, music, storytelling, and sound, the sessions help children build confidence in communication, movement, and interaction. Just as importantly, they offer families a chance to connect, share experiences, and pick up helpful ideas to support their child’s development at home.
This pilot project, delivered by Sight Scotland and Hearts and Minds, was made possible thanks to a grant from The Powell Family Foundation.
The Royal Blind School
The Royal Blind School is Scotland’s leading provider of specialist learning to children and young people with visual impairment, including those with additional complex needs.