Who are we?
There are four teams providing services for sensory-impaired children and young people:
- The Early Years Hearing Impairment Team
- The School-Age Hearing Impairment Team
- The Vision Impairment Team
- Multi-Needs Sensory Impairment Team
Early Years Hearing Impairment Team
We work with 'early years' hearing-impaired and deaf children and their families to develop parent-child programmes.
We are also involved in assessment and diagnostic work, counselling, teaching and providing advice to parents and professionals. Our work is with children with permanent sensori-neural hearing loss (hearing loss associated with the brain and nerves), children with significant degrees of conductive hearing loss and children whose hearing is at risk because of fluctuating loss or 'glue ear'.
How to refer
Most referrals come through the health authority, but if in doubt, parents, heads and other professionals may contact us directly at Elmfield House.
School-Age Hearing Impairment Team
We provide a range of support services to hearing-impaired school pupils. These include:
- Directing teaching in mainstream and MLD (moderate learning difficulties) schools
- Advice and INSET (in-service education and training) for staff - a particular focus is on SEN (special educational needs) co-ordinators
- Assessment - both as an ongoing entitlement for all pupils and also upon request
- Counselling - for pupils and their families and carers
How to refer
While most referrals are made from hearing assessment and ear, nose and throat clinics, schools are welcome to contact the team leader or staff directly at Elmfield House.
Vision Impairment Team
Our overall aims are to ensure the all-round development of each vision-impaired child to help them achieve their potential and participate fully in a sighted world.
We support children throughout their pre-school, primary and secondary years giving them access to specialist help and resources to meet their individual needs.
We encourage maximum independence, full access to the national curriculum and promote good social interaction.
How to refer
Referrals can be made by medical personnel, parents and schools or nurseries. Referrals are received and allocated to a team member who will visit as soon as possible. Medical information will be sought before the initial visit can be made.
Multi-Needs Sensory Impairment Team
Our roles are multi-faceted and encompass the following:
- Support in schools for children with sensory impairment and severe learning difficulties
- Maintenance and management of hearing aids within both the home and educational settings
- Contributions to auditory assessment and functional vision
- Educational sensory assessments - multi-disciplinary assessments with full parental involvement at the Woodside Family Centre
- Contributions to statutory assessment, annual reviews and IEPs (individual education plans)
How to refer
Referrals are made by schools and families and a wide range of other professionals. Families can also contact the team directly. It is preferable for referrals to be made by letter directly to the team leader. However, we are happy to discuss a situation over the phone prior to making a referral should you wish to do so.