Our ToDs provide staff at preschools and schools with practical ways to support deaf pupils to learn and progress. This includes:
- Visits to support reasonable adjustments
- Use strategies to support pupils learning with the class, including providing visual aids in lessons and supporting pupils to contribute in group discussions.
- Support deaf pupils during lunch and break times, which can often be challenging times for them
- Support staff to use technology such as Assistive Listening Devices
- Deliver training to key members of staff or the wider provision
- Attending meetings with the deaf child, parents/carers, audiology centres and other professionals as appropriate
- Writing reports to support transition or to focus on outcomes
- Attendance at EHCP meetings or submission of a report
- Helping with transitions from school to post-16 provision
Sometimes our ToDs will work directly with a pupil on a regular basis, or may give 1 to 1 support in the classroom. This is for pupils with the most severe needs (they may be in a special school or have an Education, Health and Care Plan).
Our Deaf Communication Specialist also supports families and children with language development at home, in early years settings, or school. This may include:
- a block of regular sessions for family sign classes at home
- improving communication, interaction and understanding of deaf culture
- introduction to a positive deaf role model
- developing deaf identities to improve self-confidence and self-esteem
- introduction of deaf children and their families to deaf culture, deaf community and deaf events
- provision of resources to support your child’s learning needs