Inclusion

Deaf Resource Base

Our principal aim is to provide quality education for deaf children in the best possible learning environment, enabling them to achieve their full potential in all areas.

Our approach to the education of deaf children is based on the philosophy of Total Communication.  This involves the use of all available methods of communication, including sign-supported English, British sign Language, speech, facial expression, gesture and finger spelling.  Our intention is to promote opportunities for language development for each child.

The children follow the National Curriculum differentiated according to individual needs.  Necessary modifications are specified in the Statement of Special Educational Needs for each child.

The children are taught for the greater part of the time in separate groups in the acoustically treated environment of the Deaf Resource Base but every reasonable opportunity is taken to undertake joint activities with the mainstream pupils, particularly where these contribute to the children’s social development.

We maintain strong links with Alder Hey Hospital with regular visits from the  audiologists to check children’s ears, maintain hearing aids and to renew moulds.  The hospital consultation also conducts full hearing assessments annually in school.

The sensory service has recently appointed an educational audiologist who is working closely with us to implement a programme and radio aid provision.  She is also assisting in the development of individual listening programmes.

We are keen to ensure that our practices keep pace with new ideas, personalise learning and technological advances in cochlea implants.