Wirral Council Sensory Service

Wirral Council’s Sensory Service aims to ensure that children and young people who are deaf or visually impaired (0 to 19 years) receive an appropriate inclusive education that enables them to fulfil their potential and develop into independent adults.

The teachers of the Visually Impaired, Teachers of the Deaf, Specialist Teaching Assistants and Habilitation officer will work with you and your child throughout their education, from early years until they leave school or school 6th form. The core work of the Sensory Service is to deliver the following:

• enable students to develop specialist skills e.g. Braille, to help them access the curriculum independently

• monitor progress of pupils to ensure that student’s individual needs are met,

• undertake specialist assessments (hearing assessment and functional vision assessments)

• maintain records and provide reports as necessary.

• undertake specialist assessments of language and literacy development which monitor progress and inform planning.

• provide advice on alternative methods of communication.

• provide advice on the adaptation of teaching materials.

• liaise with Paediatric, Orthoptic and audiology departments to ensure an effective exchange of pupil information.

• liaise with other agencies across Children’s services and voluntary agencies.

• advise on technology which can improve access to the curriculum or the environment and deliver training for its use e.g. magnification software and radio aid systems.

• develop visually impaired pupils’ mobility and rehabilitation skills to ensure safe access to the school and outside environment.

• modification of Braille or large print materials where needed.

• provide advice, support and information to parents and carers.

• promote a positive image of deafness and visual impairment and encourage self-advocacy skills.

• provide training, advice and support for school/setting staff.

The Sensory Service will require a medical diagnosis of impairment and will apply the NatSIP Eligibility Framework when deciding on the need and level of interventions. The NatSIP criteria is fluid and can change according to a number of factors such as transition and change of condition. The Service helps all settings meet their requirements under the Equality Act and also the Children and Families Act.

Ages and Eligibility

Ages: 0-19

Eligibility: Must have a medically diagnosed impairment.

Services

Term time support with additional interventions for Habilitation (home, cane skills, travel routes) during school holidays

Available for contact between 8 am and 6 pm; Email anytime

Location

Find us at the Hamilton Building, Conway Street, Birkenhead CH41 4FD

Accessibility

Our services are free to parents, nurseries, and both special and mainstream schools. Please note that there may be a cost for private schools.