The
Sensory Support Service
Support for children with hearing needs
is shared between teachers who focus upon the needs of the younger children and those
who care for the children while in their school years. This page continues with details
of provision for the pre-
The Early Years
We support babies and children up to school age who have hearing needs. We work directly with the children themselves, as well as with their carers.
The Hearing Needs Team is staffed by teachers who have additional professional qualifications as teachers of the deaf, a nursery nurse and sign language communication advisers (SLCAs). Within this Team are teachers who specialise in the education of younger deaf children. They work closely with families and enables them to help their child in the most appropriate ways.
Our nursery nurse supports a small number of children at home or in their local pre-
The SLCA Team work with families who are using British Sign Language. They also support
children and staff in nurseries and pre-
We are committed to following the guidelines set out in ‘Together from the Start’. For more information go to: www.deafnessatbirth.org.uk and www.ndcs.org.uk
As soon as your child has been diagnosed as having a hearing loss, one of the pre-
While your child is of pre-
Shortly after diagnosis you will be invited to join our BUDs (Beginning to Understand Deafness) Group.
BUDs is a small informal gathering where you can meet other families and learn more about your child’s needs. There will be an opportunity to talk to other professionals who may be involved with you and your child. The group is coordinated by one of the teachers along with our nursery nurse and an SLCA. It consists of hourly sessions, over a period of about six weeks.
A parent’s comments after attending BUDs: "I think it is vital for new parents to go along. At first you can’t see at what stage you will need the advice, because your child is so young. It answered all my questions, and now I don’t feel so apprehensive or nervous about the future."
Acorns Family Resource. This is a group of families who meet every Wednesday morning at Elmfield House from 10.30 am to 12 noon. Acorns gives parents and carers time to meet in the relaxed setting of the Parents Room. There they can share experiences over coffee and learn together about the implications of hearing loss through informal discussions and an arranged programme of talks. Sign Language and Spoken Language groups are held regularly and the teachers and SLCAs will try to answer your specific queries and offer advice and support.
Books, articles and video’s are available to loan and transport may be arranged.
Acorns Crèche We are extremely lucky to have a wonderful team of volunteer helpers, both deaf and hearing, who are committed to giving the children a high level of care while you are having coffee.
Communication is encouraged by a high ratio of adults working with the guidance of the teachers, SLCAs and nursery nurse.
An Audiologist is available most weeks at Acorns to answer any questions you may have about your child’s hearing aids and amplification needs. Sometimes it is possible to have impressions taken if your child requires new ear moulds.
Spare batteries and Radio Aid components can also be obtained at Elmfield House – so do ask the the teacher at Acorns to help you.
A Social Worker who works with deaf people makes regular visits to Acorns and is available to give counselling, advice and information on a range of topics such as housing, benefits and grants.
Other professionals visit Acorns to see your child. These may include Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists and other teachers who work with children who have hearing needs.
We have close links with other voluntary agencies, such as The Family Centre (Deaf Children). The Coordinator of the Family Centre visits Acorns to talk to families about their needs. The Family Centre is also a place where information and support can be obtained and is managed by a committee of parents of deaf and hearing impaired children.
The National Deaf Children’s Society regional and local representatives also visit Acorns and are always willing to help sort out difficulties.
Sign Language Communication Advisors. A team of deaf adults works as part of our team. They are known as SLCA’s and you will have the opportunity to meet them at BUDs and Acorns when you come to Elmfield House.
An SLCA may work with your family at home or may be able to support your child at their Nursery if that is needed.
These are some of the ways our SLCA Team work:
Deaf Children at Home Project In 1990, following research carried out at Bristol University, this project was started with our Service. Our SLCAs may visit you at home to help you understand different ways of achieving and maintaining your child’s attention and eye contact. Later, you may choose to learn more about Sign Language, and this is also possible. You will meet the Coordinator of the Deaf Children at Home Project at BUDs when you can find out more.
Nursery Support. If you decide to follow a Bilingual approach or use signs to support
your speech, it may be possible for one of our SLCAs to work at the nursery or pre-
Deaf / Deaf Group. This group is available to young deaf children between the ages
of two and a half and five years and who are developing their BSL skills. The group
meets for two hours every week, and is coordinated by our SLCA team. High staff numbers
ensure that every available opportunity to communicate is used. Stories, games, role-
Most referrals are made by the NHS Children’s Audiology Departments in Bristol and Bath. Referrals directly to the Team, from parents, schools and other professionals are welcome.
Members of the Team will be pleased to chat informally over the phone prior to a written referral.
The support for children with hearing needs is provided by teachers who specialise in both the younger and older children.
This page has focused upon the younger children. Details of provision for children at school can be found here:
