Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision

Deaf and/or hard of hearing in the early years

What is deafness?

Hearing loss and deafness happens when sound signals don’t reach the brain. There are two main types: Sensorineural and Conductive hearing loss, and it is possible to have both, which is known as mixed hearing loss.

  • Identification – what you may see in the child

    • Not responding to name or basic instruction.
    • Speech and language development are significantly delayed.
    • Difficulty interacting with peers.
    • Difficulty making relationships with peers.
    • Appears distracted, poor concentration skills
    • Tends to copy others when instructions are given to the group.

  • Planned provision in the setting

    • Share stories that include characters who are deaf.
    • Gain child’s attention by touch and getting down to their level.
    • Provide lots of exposure to language, through nursery rhymes, stories and songs.
    • Ensure child is wearing hearing aids if fitted and that batteries are working.
    • Reduce background noise as much as possible.
    • Ensure all practitioners use consistent communication methods, for example BSL, gestures, body language.
    • Ensure all practitioners know how to use specialist equipment if provided.
    • Speak clearly at an appropriate volume. Don’t shout – use normal pace and pitch. Speak at the child’s level so that they can see your face. Don’t speak to the child with your back turned or when walking around.
    • Use deaf friendly resources such as storybooks and toys.
    • Use signed stories and songs for all children to learn.
    • Employ and train staff with appropriate BSL skills when required.
    • In small group situations position the child at the front or close to the practitioner leading the session.
    • Position the child away from internal and external noise sources,  for example, projectors, fans, lights etc. Ensure the area is well-lit. Provide quiet places for language and listening activities.
    • Use carpets and curtains and soft furnishings where possible to limit echoes. Line construction trays or boxes with carpet tiles or felt to reduce noise level. (Children who wear hearing aids or have cochlear implants suffer in noisy, echoing spaces).