We offer support to children and young people with a diagnosed vision, hearing or multi-sensory (dual) impairment. We provide an assessment of needs, give advice and support to families and schools, as well as direct teaching for those experiencing most significant needs. Our aim is to enable educational settings to understand the impact of a child’s sensory impairment, and to offer support and advice in order to maximise inclusion. Therefore, we offer a flexible service, responding to a child’s age and stage of development, any additional learning needs they experience and their educational context. We also offer support and training in the use of auxiliary aids and specialist equipment.
Most referrals come via health professionals at the point of identification/diagnosis. Children are offered support in line with National Sensory Impairment Partnership Eligibility Framework, which offers nationally agreed protocols for assessment and support. Some of our staff offer support to families, including assisting in the development of independent living skills, language and communication skills and facilitate positive social access. We offer a range of awareness sessions, training and advice, depending on the level of hearing or vision impairment.
Our team:
- has a mix of professionals with additional expertise in working with children with sensory impairment.
- teachers will have the mandatory qualification for teachers of children with sensory impairment.
- other members of staff include a specialist speech therapist, habilitation specialist, communication support worker, deaf worker and specialist support staff.