Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision

Multi-sensory impairments in the early years

What are multi-sensory impairments?

Children and young people with MSI have both hearing and visual impairments. Any degree of combined sight and hearing impairment can create a disadvantage. Impairments can range from mild to profound and may fluctuate or be a consistent loss.

  • Identification – what you may see in the child

    Any type or degree of combined vision and hearing loss can create a multi-sensory impairment

    Use the Visual Impairment and Deaf and/or hard of hearing SEND identification statements to identify a possible MSI need that needs to be planned for.

  • Planned provision in the setting

    • Keep routines consistent to help the child to make sense of what they are experiencing.
    • Allow extra time at activities.
    • Provide opportunities for the child to explore resources using all of their senses.
    • Ensure all practitioners have attended awareness training on the impact of combined sensory loss and are confident to support the child to access learning in the environment.
    • Use the strategies and provision within the visual impairment and Deaf and/or hard of hearing sections.
    • Use a multisensory teaching approach using strategies from MSI specialist curriculum.
    • Build on current learning strengths and preferences to support the development of new concepts.
    • Provide opportunities to form social relationships with peers.
    • Ensure that background noise is monitored, and action is taken to improve the acoustic environment. For example, use of carpets, curtains and cushions, and separating noisy and quiet areas.