What we do
We work with d/Deaf and hearing-impaired children, young people, their families, and schools offering information and support where hearing difficulties may impede learning or development.
We will assess children and young people who are d/Deaf or have a hearing impairment.
We will then offer advice on teaching strategies and the management of the needs of the pupil and their access to the curriculum. This may involve advice on the use of certain equipment and access to communication methods.
The service will also monitor pupil progress, needs and provision.
Staff will provide training on issues concerning the education of children and young people who are d/Deaf or have a hearing impairment and give advice on any assessment, teaching assistant provision and equipment necessary.
The service regards itself as part of the team surrounding each child or young person it supports, and values the involvement and expertise of parents, carers, and colleagues from other agencies. It actively contributes towards target setting, action planning meetings and statutory reviews.
Support varies according to need, but our core offer would be to make a minimum of 3 contacts per academic year. These contacts would most likely be a mixture of in-person visits, virtual visits, and attendance at meetings. Again, this will vary and change depending on an individual’s circumstances.
Early years
We contact families either at or directly following diagnosis and provide advice, information, and support to families from the point of referral.
We have a communication at home programme for the development of sign language (British Sign Language/ Sign Supported English) in the home.
We contact settings and give advice, training, and guidance to ensure access to the learning environment and curriculum. We may contribute to direct teaching programmes for the child, helping to assess access and inclusion needs. We will monitor the needs and progress of, and provision for, the child.
We provide, monitor, and maintain specialist equipment and make assessments of needs and language development.
We liaise with families, Speech and Language Therapy and other professionals to set and review targets and activities.
School age
We contact families and schools following referral and give advice and guidance through all phases and transition between phases for the pupil, school, and family.
We provide, monitor, and maintain specialist equipment and make assessments of needs and language development. We provide information and in-service training to school staff. We jointly plan programmes and activities for school staff in conjunction with the speech and language therapy service.
We work with families, schools, and other agencies to ensure access to education and the curriculum. We monitor access and progress and may contribute to direct teaching programmes with pupils.
Enhanced resource provision
Derbyshire also funds 4 specialist Enhanced Resource Schools (ERS) for children who are d/Deaf or Hearing Impaired. These are mainstream schools that have additional funding to provide on-site specialist support for children who are d/Deaf or Hearing Impaired. Staff have additional training in Sign Language (BSL/SSE), deaf awareness and the specialist equipment a d/Deaf child may use.
The schools are (please see related searches):
- Aldercar Infant and Nursery School
- Langley Mill Academy
- Aldercar High School
- New Whittington Primary School
Criteria for involvement
The child or young person has one or more of the following:
- an average hearing loss of 30dB or more - this is taken over the mid-frequencies for both ears, according to British Association of Teacher of the Deaf guidelines,
- a moderate, severe or profound hearing loss in one ear,
- a moderate, severe or profound high frequency hearing loss,
- a diagnosis of auditory neuropathy.
The child or young person must also be:
- a Derbyshire child (i.e. council tax for the property that is the child's permanent address is paid to Derbyshire County Council,
- and/or attending a school or pre-school setting within the county.
For a Derbyshire child attending an out of county school or setting, there are separate arrangements.
Referral Routes
A referral may be made by any person involved with the child or young person. Referrals will only be accepted if there is a medical diagnosis of hearing loss, and the child/young person meets the criteria.
It is helpful if as much information about the difficulties the child/young person is encountering with their d/Deaf or hearing difficulties is included.
Please note both forms require a parental signature/agreement before they can be considered.
For a child aged 0 until the end of Nursery, please use the Early Years SEN Panel Referral Form. For a child who is in Reception or above, please use the RFI Hearing Impairment Form. Both forms can be found in the related documents section on this page.
Deaf awareness and classroom advice
Every child or young person who is d/Deaf or has a hearing impairment is different and strategies will depend on individual needs. Please view Evelyn's Deaf Awareness video for initial advice.
Contact us
Donna Carter, Acting Head of Service
Email: Donna.Marie.Carter@derbyshire.gov.uk
Angela Butler, Principal Advisory Teacher
Telephone: 07919 692178 (Term-time only)
Alfreton Office
Sensory and Physical Support Service – d/Deaf and Hearing Impairment
SEN Support Services
Grange Street
Alfreton
DE55 7JA
Tel: 01629 532391
Chesterfield Office
Sensory and Physical Support Service – d/Deaf and Hearing Impairment
SEN Support Services Centre
School Road
Chesterfield
S41 8LJ
Tel: 01629 537686