Key person from the HI Team identified from initial audiology referral, who will link with the school, parents/carers and professionals.

Offer home visits where appropriate.

Opportunities for parents/carers, child and extended family to attend a local Hi Hopes parent support group.

Access to deaf adults and peers in the community.

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.

See NDCS for advice and guidance on suitable technology and apps.

Liaise with other, external agencies for advice and guidance and a multi-agency approach e.g. audiology.

Regular reviews of school-based interventions, involving parents/carers and the QToD, to ensure progression and adaption if necessary.

Qualified Teacher of The Deaf providing individual support sessions based on National Sensory Impairment Partnership (NATSiP) criteria.

Direct teaching and/or in class support from Qualified Teacher of the Deaf or specialist TA.

Access to specialist health assessments, advice and equipment (e.g. Audiology for ear mould impressions and repairs).

Access to a Specialist Support Assistant (SSA) with appropriate BSL/communication skills when advised.

Specific deaf related training opportunities for staff on request to HI team.

Possible use of speech audiometry and other specialist tools to assess access to spoken language in class on request to Sensory Needs Team – Hearing.

Specialist language assessments, upon advice from the HI Team.

Access to HI-specific services as appropriate e.g. National Deaf Child and Adolescent Mental Health (North) Service (NDCAMHSNorth.lypft@nhs.net).

Additional information and resources for support are available at:

·         SENSE (info@sense.org.uk);

·         The Cochlear Implanted Children's Support Group (CICS);

·         Signalong;

·         The Rochdale, Bury and Oldham Children’s Hearing Services Working Group (CHSWG) Contact: Jacqueline Parker-Fu (parkerfu04@yahoo.co.uk).