The Sensory Support Team - Hearing, supports children and young people with identified deafness between the ages of 0 and 25. We provide support in homes and educational settings. Our team includes Qualified Teachers of Deaf children and young people, and a Deaf Instructor.
Promoting inclusion and well-being is at the core of our service.
- we provide support, advice, and training to ensure that every deaf child has full access to learning opportunities in their home and educational setting
- we aim to minimise barriers to accessing the curriculum so children can achieve their potential and contribute to their school communities
- we engage in multiagency collaboration, liaising with various services such as audiology, speech therapy, special educational needs (SEN), and educational psychology to provide comprehensive support
- training for staff to understand deaf awareness, deafness, and specialist equipment
- monitoring and advice about reasonable adjustments to promote full access to the curriculum
- advice on classroom strategies for creating effective listening environments and inclusive teaching strategies
- support to help during significant transitions (e.g. starting school, moving to secondary school)
- hearing profiles are used to inform school staff about individual needs relating to deafness and support access
- contribute to formal assessments such as Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) and attend annual review meetings where necessary
Support for children in educational settings
- supporting children’s personal understanding of their deafness and promote a positive deaf identity
- deaf awareness sessions for pupils and their peers
- classroom observations of pupils and advice for school staff
- supporting the child or young person through the process of transitions (e.g. starting school, moving to secondary school)
- assess functional listening in school
- support the development of life skills such as managing technology, self-advocacy, emotional well-being, social interaction and self-esteem
Support for parents, carers, and families
For children under 5:
- we provide support and advice to help families understand their child’s deafness and its implications, manage technology, offer British Sign Language support if needed, and encourage good play/communication skills
- assist families with choosing and transitioning into the first educational setting
- support in settings (nurseries, childminders, carers)
- help settings understand the child’s deafness and its implications, manage the use of audiological equipment, encourage the development of early interaction and social skills, promote a good listening environment and support effective communication
Access our services
Referrals
If a child has a confirmed deafness, a referral can be made directly to the team from an audiology clinic. Specialist hospitals also send referrals.
Signed consent must be given by the parent/carer.
Additional support and resources
Search our SEND directory for resources, services, and support based on age, need, and type of assistance.
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