6.34 Some children and young people require special educational provision because they have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of the educational facilities generally provided. These difficulties can be age related and may fluctuate over time. Many children and young people with vision impairment (VI), hearing impairment (HI) or a multi-sensory impairment (MSI) will require specialist support and/or equipment to access their learning, or habilitation support. Children and young people with an MSI have a combination of vision and hearing difficulties. Information on how to provide services for deafblind children and young people is available through the Social Care for Deafblind Children and Adults guidance published by the Department of Health (see the References section under Chapter 6 for a link).
Hearing Impairment (HI)
The team for children with a Hearing Impairment (HI) is part of the Advisory Teaching Service. The team consists of
- Qualified Specialist Advisory Teachers of the Deaf (holding mandatory ToD qualification)
- Qualified Deaf Communications Tutor (Level 6 BSL)
- Specialist Speech and Language Therapists
6.34 Some children and young people require special educational provision because they have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of the educational facilities generally provided. These difficulties can be age related and may fluctuate over time. Many children and young people with vision impairment (VI), hearing impairment (HI) or a multi-sensory impairment (MSI) will require specialist support and/or equipment to access their learning, or habilitation support. Children and young people with an MSI have a combination of vision and hearing difficulties. Information on how to provide services for deafblind children and young people is available through the Social Care for Deafblind Children and Adults guidance published by the Department of Health (see the References section under Chapter 6 for a link).
What We Do
We provide specialist support for children and young people (0–25 years) with a confirmed permanent hearing loss, from diagnosis through to leaving school or FE college. Link for criteria for involvement. Our goal is to help them build a positive understanding of their hearing loss and develop a strong deaf identity.
Our Support Includes
- Early Support for Families:
We work closely with families of babies and children 0-4 to explain the diagnosis and offer practical advice on managing hearing technology, communication strategies and language development. - Collaborative Approach:
We work alongside families, school staff, speech therapists, social care and medical professionals to provide tailored, targeted support. - Early Years Sensory Group
A monthly group for babies and children aged 0–4 with a diagnosed sensory impairment (HI/VI/MSI) and their families. Led by a Teacher of the Deaf, the group offers: - Opportunities for families to connect and share experiences
- Guest speakers on sensory impairment topics
- Music and signed story sessions
- Activities to develop listening, communication, and social skills
· Support Throughout Education
We work with children and young people at all stages of the Gloucestershire Graduated Pathway for SEND. By collaborating with families, schools, and professionals, means we can offer tailored and targeted advice helping to build capacity in educational settings to meet the individual needs of our children and young people and enable them to achieve positive outcomes.
· Empowering Children and Young People
o Helping them understand their hearing loss and audiological equipment
o Providing developmental and educational advice
o Ensuring their views and experiences shape their support
· Specialist Equipment
We provide, monitor, and evaluate the use of audiological equipment such as radio aids.
· Training for Professionals
From tailored training for individual needs to whole-school and area-based courses, we support continuing professional development in hearing impairment.
Referral
Referrals to our team mainly come from Health Services at the time of diagnosis. However, early years settings and educational settings can make a referral using the ATS request for involvement form; (ats_request_for_involvement_form_jan_23_1_.docx)
Advice Line
Settings and families can contact our team during the week for anonymous advice by calling 01452 426955.
Our Vision
We have high aspirations for all children and young people with hearing loss. We believe hearing loss should never prevent them from thriving, reaching their full potential, and enjoying learning.
Contact
Telephone: 01452426955
Email: glossenss@gloucestershire.gov.uk