Key worker from the Vision and Hearing/Deaf Education Service identified from initial audiology referral, who will link with the setting, parents/carers and professionals.
Home visits, as required, arranged in agreement with families for newly diagnosed deaf babies up to school entry.
Attendance at audiology clinic appointments by a QToD to support families through diagnosis and hearing aid fitting.
Support by a QToD through the referral process for cochlear implantation.
Access to Radio Aid equipment for use at home and nursery until school entry.
Advice and guidance on suitable technology and apps e.g. NDCS.
Specifically devised programmes targeting attending, listening and vocalising on the advice of the Vision and Hearing/Deaf Education Service and following Early Years research findings e.g. NDCS.
Clear monitoring and recording process.
Liaising with other, external agencies for advice and guidance to offer a multi-agency approach.
Regular reviews of nursery-based interventions to ensure progression and adaption, if necessary.
Qualified Teacher of The Deaf providing individual support sessions based on National Sensory Impairment Partnership (NATSiP) criteria.
Access to specialist health assessments, advice and equipment (e.g. Audiology for ear mould impressions and repairs).
Specialist language assessments, upon advice from the HI Team.
Specific deaf related training opportunities for staff on request to the HI Team.
Access to support from an additional person in the setting to facilitate and support, providing opportunities to model:
- Communication
- Language
- Play skills
- Inference
- Circle time
- Semantic links
- Theory of mind
- Pragmatics.
Access to a Communication Support Worker (CSW) with appropriate British Sign Language (BSL)/communication skills, when advised.
Additional information and resources for support are available at: