Specialist Teaching Service

There are two Units for Hearing-Impaired pupils - one at Gartree High School, Oadby and one at Beauchamp Community College. The Units for Hearing Impaired children function as a base for specialist provision. The basic organisation of the unit aims to establish the greatest degree of inclusion possible within the structure of the school, taking into account the individual needs of the children. A policy of inclusion is seen as essential if children with hearing impairment are to learn to interact with the broader community and develop normal language pattern.

Aims

• To ensure that each child in the Unit receives the special provision he/she requires, as detailed in his/her Statement of Educational Needs.
• To ensure that each child fulfils his/her potential in terms of the National Curriculum.
• To facilitate growth in all the modes of human understanding and increase the hearing-impaired child's confidence and competence in a hearing world.
• To act as a source for advice and resources for other members of staff and parents.

Objectives

• To stimulate hearing and response by following the principles of Natural Auralism (see appendices).
• To create and maintain an environment where natural speech is heard and functional and social integration takes place naturally, in order that the unit children can experience a similar set of language and auditory experiences to those enjoyed by hearing children.
• To test and maintain hearing aids and all other auditory equipment to the highest possible standards to ensure maximum use of residual hearing.
• To provide regular training, information and support for mainstream staff.
• To integrate children socially and academically as much as possible according to their individual needs and capabilities.
• To be aware of how children are performing across the curriculum and to devise a timetable of withdrawal of language work, the delivery of specific curriculum areas and tutuorial support.
• To ensure purposeful language experience and strong motivation. To create conditions for the children to expand their knowledge of language naturally. The curriculum is an excellent tool for the development of language.
• To develop the child's ability to work alone and in groups. To expect good working habits.
• To develop the child's emotional, social and moral skills and to encourage personal development through responsibility.
• To help children to foster appropriate behaviour.
• To help children to understand their disability and the extent to which it will affect their lives.
• To provide friendly and approachable counselling for Unit children, so that despite their communication difficulties they will find a sympathetic listener and can rely on the Unit teacher for help and support.
• To liaise with other agencies (e.g. Visually Impaired Team, Social Services, Action Deafness).
• To monitor and record the progress of each Unit child, so that an effective and accurate identification of the child's development can be made at any time (see appendices).
• To keep in close contact with feeder schools and units before any transfer is made and make contact with teachers, parents and children.
• To maintain a close relationship with Beauchamp Unit and schools to ensure smooh transfer of pupils and continuity of education.
• To inform about career and leisure opportunities.