Resource Base for Deaf Students

Specialist Support

Deaf students are educated in their mainstream classes. Specialist support including for audiology, is offered daily by a Teacher of the Deaf (TOD). Specialist Deaf Curriculum lessons are offered weekly in acoustically treated rooms in the Resource Base.  Remote Microphone Systems (RMS) are offered to Deaf students with hearing aids or cochlear implants, as needed. A Communication Support Worker (CSW) can offer BSL/SSE and learning support in lessons, as needed. Deaf-specialist Speech and Language Therapy is offered based on individual needs, as stated in the EHCP.

Inclusion and Deaf Awareness

Sedgehill Academy strives to promote Deaf Awareness across the whole school community and to have a positive, inclusive culture; celebrating Deaf Awareness week and promoting Deaf cultural experiences and connections to positive deaf role-models for deaf students. All members of the staff team are offered Deaf Awareness and deaf-specialist inclusion training as part of their continued professional development.

Admissions to the Deaf Resource Base

Formal procedures for admission to the Deaf Resource Base must be followed. This requires an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with a primary need of Deafness/Hearing Loss and a need for daily/high level Teacher of the Deaf support. Students must be able to access a mainstream curriculum, although they may have additional needs.

For any questions related to deaf support, please contact the Manager of the Sensory Teachers team: Samantha.thomas@lewisham.gov.uk or via: STEPS@lewisham.gov.uk

For questions related to Sedgehill and Special Educational Needs, please contact Sedgehill Academy SENCO.