Q1: Is sign language offered as part of the Early Years local offer provided by the council to deaf children and their families?
Yes, to families of Children and Young People (CYP) that are known to the Sensory & Physical Team.
Q2: Are all families informed about the sign language aspect of Early Years support for deaf children?
British Sign Language (BSL) is discussed with families when the Teachers of the Deaf make initial home visits.
Q3: What criteria does the council use to determine which families of deaf children are exposed to sign language as part of the Early Years local offer?
The CYP have to be on our active caseload, so need to have an identified hearing loss which may affect their ability to access sounds, language.
Q4: How is sign language delivered to families of Early Years deaf children?
By a Teacher of the Deaf and Advisory Deaf Inclusion Worker. We also have an eLearning course that families can access, which is an Introduction to BSL.
Q5: What is the duration of the sign language support offered?
Dependent on need of CYP but support for the family stops when CYP starts school.
Q6: Who delivers the sign language input to families of Early Years deaf children?
By a Teacher of the Deaf and Advisory Deaf Inclusion Worker (ADIW). Our ADIW is deaf so also acts as a deaf role model. We also have an eLearning course that families can access, which is an Introduction to BSL.
Q7: Where are families of Early Years deaf children signposted to access more information about sign language?
They are signposted to the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS).