Sensory support hearing impairment
The sensory support service for hearing impairment (SSSHI) consists of three teams: The peripatetic hearing team, primary deaf base at Griffins and the deaf centre at Darrick Wood School providing support for children and young people with a diagnosed hearing loss (0-19 years). The National Sensory Impairment Partnership (NatSIP) eligibility framework guides our level of involvement with the child or young person.
The Teachers of the Deaf (ToD) hold a mandatory, specialist qualification in teaching children and young people with hearing impairment. The specialist teaching assistants (TAs) are trained to support and manage children with hearing loss. All staff have a British Sign Language (BSL) qualification.
The teams have strong working partnerships with families, educational settings, community audiology, tertiary hospitals and other local professionals. The wellbeing and needs of the deaf child lie at the heart of this vibrant team. All the Teachers of the Deaf (ToD) train regularly to keep abreast of new research and technology in the field of audiology and deaf. Our aim is to provide a high-quality service for children and young people through innovative practice. We will work together to achieve the best educational and social-emotional outcomes for our children and young people. The voice of each child and young person and their family are central to the work that we do. We ensure that they are informed and empowered to make appropriate choices. The holistic approach is of paramount importance and essential to the development of young people as they prepare for adult life.
- The peripatetic hearing team supports children (0-19 years) from the point of diagnosis and referral from audiology/ Ear Nose and Throat (ENT.) The team works closely with parents/families, preschools, schools and associated professionals. For more information see hearing team leaflet for pre-schools (PDF - 821.43 KB) or schools leaflet (PDF - 596.38 KB).
- The primary deaf base at Griffins supports children who have a specialist placement from 3 to 11 years. They are on roll at Darrick Wood Infant and Nursery School or Darrick Wood Junior School. For more information see primary deaf base leaflet (PDF - 614.64 KB)
- The secondary base for deaf children and young people, the deaf centre at Darrick Wood School supports children 11-19 years who have a specialist placement and who are on role at Darrick Wood School. For more information see deaf centre at Darrick Wood School leaflet (PDF - 358.25 KB).
Eligibility for a specialist placement in a deaf base
Entry criteria for the bases: a severe/profound or deteriorating hearing loss, with associated language delay, or severe social-emotional difficulties caused by their hearing loss. An Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a requirement at both specialist bases. Pupils have individual timetables tailored to meet their needs. There is a strong emphasis on inclusion in mainstream lessons as well as specialist Teacher of Deaf teaching.