Hearing Impaired Services

We have developed a unique, fully integrated regional service for children with hearing impairment and additional needs. This provision has been specifically developed to meet the needs of those children who have a hearing impairment or other disabilities which require a total communication approach and may require additional support for learning from teachers of the deaf, communication support workers and specialist therapists. Typically our provision will be suitable for children and their families requiring:

  • educational, emotional and social support from experienced and well-qualified staff
  • teaching in small groups with high levels of individual support from specialist staff experienced in working with hearing impaired children
  • a high level of therapeutic input
  • full access to the national curriculum, suitably modified to meet the individual needs of children who use signing within a total communication approach
  • regular on-site educational audiological support
  • highly structured social communication teaching
  • personal and social independence training
  • state-of-the-art accommodation for children and adults with hearing impairment
  • multidisciplinary admissions assessment team
  • support for parents throughout the admissions process
  • in-service training for pupils, parents and professionals
  • deaf role models

What is Total Communication?

Total communication occurs where appropriate combinations of speaking, listening, signing, writing, fingers spelling and alternative and/or pensive needs are used and have significant benefits in the development of language, speech and lip-reading with the assistance of properly aided residual hearing where appropriate. Within a total communication environment, English and British sign language are recognised as distinct languages. Both have equally important roles in the cognitive and linguistic development of most deaf children.

Parents and professional colleagues are welcome to contact the school for an informal discussion or to arrange a visit to the school at anytime by contacting Norman Stromsoy.