11 30 46 Mum Lisa Radio aid Deaf role on daughter’s myth busting models in the moderate world of work deafness
Spring 2017 Issue 44
New articles inside!
I feel strongly that BSL is important for Anwyn’s confidence and identity.
Reading the signs Why Anwyn chose to learn British Sign Language aged 14
Towards a world without barriers www.ndcs.org.uk School for Deaf Children 5-16 years Hamilton Lodge offers a full curriculum to deaf children aged 5-16 years in our school. We take a “child-centred communication” approach at Hamilton Lodge and we support the development of both English and British Sign Language. We focus our curriculum development on courses and accreditations that match the needs of individual pupils. We offer a range of GCSE, Entry Level, Functional Skills, Pathways, Unit Award courses and Signature sign language qualifications. We have a well-established Work Experience Programme and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, both of which focus on individuals being able to build their independence skills, confidence and self-esteem.
Further Education for Deaf New Specialist Provision for Deaf Young People 16 -19 years Children with Complex Needs Hamilton Lodge College provides the right stepping stone into In 2016, Hamilton Lodge opened this provision to ensure an independent and successful adult life. Based in the heart of that deaf pupils with more complex needs could access our a vibrant city, our college students are supported to make the education. most of the city’s facilities. With support some pupils are able to transition to our core We provide FE places in partnership with City College Brighton provision but some require a different curriculum and care & Hove, Plumpton College, and St John’s College. package to meet their needs. Students attend lectures at their chosen colleges with the Our new specialist provision is tailored to meet the needs support of Student Support Workers provided by Hamilton of those pupils. It is now fully open with a specially adapted Lodge. residential house and a specialist team to ensure that these Students receive direct teaching from Teachers of the Deaf pupils have full access to a broad and balanced curriculum at from Hamilton Lodge to support their chosen courses as well Hamilton Lodge as well as a comprehensive care package. as support with life skills, driving theory courses and English & The provision is based within the school and pupils are well maths. integrated into our school family.
HAMILTON LODGE SCHOOL & COLLEGE EDUCATION & CARE FOR DEAF STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY TO F.E.
HAMILTON LODGE, WALPOLE ROAD, BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX BN2 0LS Telephone: 01273 682362 Fax 01273 695742 Minicom: 01273 682362 Email: [email protected] www.hamiltonls.co.uk @hamiltonlodge HamiltonLodgeSC hamiltonbrighton Registered charity in England: Hamilton Lodge (Brighton) no. 307066. Registered in England company no. 544254. My deafness didn’t stop
me …volunteering in Nepal
I wanted to help after the earthquake. Angus“ …who is 18 and moderately to severely deaf, spent seven weeks in Nepal last year with charity Raleigh International, helping rebuild communities stricken by earthquakes.
HE WAS INSPIRED after his sister didn’t treat me any differently – a lot of kinds of people. I love the Nepalese went on a similar expedition in Costa them wanted to understand how they food, especially Dal Bhat (national Rica. “It was an ideal opportunity worked and try them on!” dish of rice, lentil soup and vegetable to travel, gain new experiences and Angus, who was diagnosed as curry) and how open and kind the develop myself,” says Angus. moderately to severely deaf at two- people are,” Angus says. “The trip was As a deaf young person, Angus and-a-half years old, raised some extremely motivating and really put faced particular challenges. “I was of the money for the trip but also things into perspective for me. I’m anxious about struggling to pick received sponsorship from Witherby definitely going back.” up the Nepali language, but so was Publishing Group Ltd who generously Angus is now studying geography everyone else. I had to put my hearing matched his funding. at the University of Aberdeen. aids in a dehumidifying box overnight “I wanted to go to Nepal because Well done Angus! because of the constant sweat, the landscapes and culture fascinated rainwater and humidity. Luckily my me and I wanted to help after the For more information about audiology department provided me earthquake. It felt really special to be � deaf young people and with spares,” he recalls. “My hearing the start of something. I often bumped travelling see our webpage aids drew some attention from people into locals and it was really nice www.ndcs.org.uk/travel. in Nepal… they were surprised but having conversations with different www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 3 families Get in touch Families magazine Ground Floor South, Castle House, 37–45 Paul Street, London EC2A 4LS Telephone: 020 7490 8656 (v&t) HelloWe’re proud to present our new-look Families magazine! Fax: 020 7251 5020 As well as a new design making it easier to navigate, we’ve Email: [email protected] added a number of new articles in response to your Website: www.ndcs.org.uk feedback from our readers’ survey last year. You may have Freephone Helpline: already read our first new feature on page 3, showcasing 0808 800 8880 (v&t) how Angus hasn’t let his deafness stop him experiencing Emmie’s story life to the fullest. On pages 20–21 our new article for deaf Follow us on Twitter: how her parents young people aged 19–25 focuses on the ups and downs of @NDCS_UK came to terms 19-year-old Max’s apprenticeship. We’ve also introduced @NDCS_Cymru with her Scribble Club, an activity section for younger children @NDCS_Scotland deafness (pages 24–25). This is on the centre pages of the magazine @NDCS_NIreland p12 so you can easily rip it out and give it to your child. Don’t forget to check out our regular articles too – we Find us on Facebook: have parent advice on how to help deaf young people travel NDCS.UK independently (pages 22–23) and tips from a professional NDCSScotland supporting deaf young people into employment (page 27). If you’re considering pre-school childcare options, see Follow us on Instagram: page 28–29. @NDCS_UK Thanks again for your survey responses and we really hope you like the changes we’ve made as a result of your The National Deaf Children’s Monty’s story feedback. We’d love to hear from you at Society depends almost entirely on how a CROS [email protected]. Happy reading! generous support from individuals aid helped and organisations. The public is his unilateral responsible for 95% of our income, deafness Karen Harlow, Editor and without this we wouldn’t be able p14 [email protected] to support families of deaf children and young people. See pages 44–45 for more information on supporting our work. Contents Spring 2017 | Issue 44
Editor Karen Harlow Design Alex Jordan and Mia Tivey 3 My deafness didn’t INFORMATION, Production Manager Phillip Barros stop me… new TIPS AND ADVICE Distribution Maria Piazza volunteering in Nepal Advertising sales Isabella’s story 22 How do I… Sharon Davies, Landmark Publishing Services, how she made 5 Contents and note help my child to travel 7 Adam Street, London WC2N 6AA the transition from the editor independently? Tel 020 7520 9474 Email [email protected] from specialist 6 News and Comment 24 Scribble Club new Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing to mainstream Company www.magprint.co.uk 27 Ask the expert school YOUR STORIES Families is published by the National Deaf Children’s p16 28 Education Society (NDCS). The National Deaf Children’s 9 Superstars and learning Society is a registered charity in England and 11 Parent column Wales no. 1016532 and in Scotland no. SC040779. 30 Technology Opinions in this magazine do not necessarily 12 Early years 32 Reviews reflect the policies and views of the National Deaf Roller-coaster ride Children’s Society. We support families to make 34 Resources 14 Primary years informed choices and no one option will work for 36 In your area all families. This magazine highlights some of these Why even one deaf options. For further information, see our website or ear matters! 43 Get involved call our Freephone Helpline. 16 Secondary years Max’s story ROLE MODELS Advertisements do not necessarily imply Best of both worlds endorsement by the National Deaf Children’s how a change 46 When I’m a grown-up Society. All rights reserved. Unauthorised in policy has 18 Young people 15–18 reproduction in part or whole is prohibited without affected his Reading the signs written permission. Photographs and artwork are accepted on the basis that the National Deaf apprenticeship 20 Young people 19–25 Children’s Society and our agents do not accept p20 new Giving deaf young liability for loss or damage to them. people a chance
National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 5 Volunteer to support deaf children and their families We’re looking for volunteers (aged over 18) to support deaf children and young people and their families at our events. We currently need: ●● hearing volunteers with British Sign Language Level 3 to support communication
●● deaf volunteers to support deaf children and young people
●● deaf volunteers to give a presentation to families with deaf Helen Goodman children about their personal MP speaks experience of deafness out for deaf ●● family members of deaf children (parents, grandparents, uncles, children aunts etc.) to give a presentation on their experience of having a Last summer we heard deaf child in the family. that deaf children’s hearing equipment We’re looking for volunteers from could be affected by the all over the UK but we’d especially selling off of new mobile phone welcome those from the South West of frequencies. Since then we’ve England, Wales, Scotland and London. been asking the Government to Would you, any of your friends, stop the sell-off until more testing family members or those working has been done. Helen Goodman with your child make a great volunteer MP for Bishop Auckland raised in one of these roles? Please spread the profile of this issue by tabling the word. Email us on volunteer@ an amendment to the Digital ndcs.org.uk to express interest in Economy Bill in November. these exciting opportunities. Matt Hancock MP said, “The Government take the issue of interference with assistive listening devices very seriously and we will work with Ofcom to take appropriate action when harmful interference with such devices has been identified. I have met representatives of the National Deaf Children’s Society, and I can tell the House that further testing will take place and Ofcom will Fingerspelling challenge for pupils in Wales publish its findings by April 2017.” We’ve been working with the WJEC exam board to create a new challenge as an option for pupils studying the Foundation Welsh Baccalaureate. The challenge invites pupils to learn to fingerspell the alphabet and then pass on their knowledge to others. The idea came about after our Young People’s Advisory Board told us they wanted more opportunities for people to learn to sign. We’re grateful to Leam Tucker and Ryan Payne who starred in our videos to teach pupils the English and Welsh fingerspelling alphabet.
6 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 International support for deaf children Animesh (7) who is deaf, lives in West Bengal, India, Comment with his family. His behaviour was challenging for his parents. He was withdrawn and isolated from his siblings and he would cry to express his frustration. Making a difference for deaf He had been known to run away from home with no children and young people intention of coming back. Animesh’s parents reached out to Samaj Unnayan Kendra (SUK), a partner Our new strategy will be launching of our international arm, Deaf Child Worldwide, for help. Our community shortly. Thanks for the time you've based rehabilitation staff supported Animesh to develop his communication taken to share your views and and everyday skills and he’s now able to express his feelings through Indian experiences with us. We think our Sign Language. Animesh and his family are very grateful for Deaf Child exciting and ambitious plans will make Worldwide and SUK’s support to a big difference for deaf children over transform their lives. the next five years and further into Deaf Child Worldwide gives the future. To find out more go to vital support in East Africa, Latin www.ndcs.org.uk/strategy2017. America and South Asia, focusing on communities where the need It won't be long until we can share with is greatest. Working with partner you our new-look website which will organisations, we ensure that deaf help us deliver on our bold ambitions, children and young people are fully making it easier for you to connect included in family, education and with other members and quickly find community life. Find out more at the best information and resources to www.deafchildworldwide.org. support your child. Look out for more information in our email updates soon. You’ll also notice some changes to this Welsh Young People’s magazine – we hope you like the new Government Advisory Board look and new articles. Over the next few months we’ll also pushes forward launches sign be updating our constitution (the legal with new law language campaign framework that sets out how we can run our organisation) to make sure it A new law on how support is planned At the end of last reflects the world we live in now and for learners with additional learning year our Young continues to support our ambitions. needs in Wales is on its way. People’s Advisory We’re committed to parents The proposed changes have been Board (YAB) sent remaining at the heart of our discussed for some time but are now out a survey to governance and one of the more going through the stages to become deaf and hearing significant changes will make it easier law, so this is a crucial time to make children and young people across for you to take part at future AGMs by sure the needs of deaf learners are the UK. Their mission was to find casting your vote online. Using online considered. out the number of young people voting rather than post for most of our To find out the latest on interested in learning British Sign members will also help reduce our these changes, please visit Language (BSL) and how many costs so our funds can go further. We’ll www.ndcs.org.uk/IDPWales. would like schools to offer it as share more details on the proposed a GCSE (or National 4 or 5 in changes with you over the summer Scotland) option. Over 2,000 young and you’ll have the chance to vote on people completed their survey, them later this year at the AGM. which is a fantastic response! Watch out for the results of their survey, which will be released in the late spring. Later this year, the YAB will be developing an online resource to support young people to set up their own sign language clubs. To find out more about their campaign and how you can get involved please contact Susan Daniels OBE [email protected]. Chief Executive
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y little boy Every day deaf children MQuade has and young people prove that been so brave. He deafness shouldn’t be a barrier wasn’t diagnosed to enjoying life. Read on for until he started school and has some of the amazing things had so many your children have done to tests. I’m extremely proud of how he make you proud. just copes and deals with it all. Never has he shed a tear or tried to refuse a hospital trip. He’s my little hero. oss lost his llie is a rock to his little sister ––Rachel, mum to Quade (6) who is Rhearing at OMillie (7) and a best friend severely deaf in one ear. four-and-a-half to his brother and has never let Rhys (8) who is y the age of three Poppy had it hold him deaf and autistic. Bdeveloped a real fear of anything back. He enjoys Ollie emotionally audiology-related. Now she not school and got supports Rhys with only ‘chooses’ which audiologist she a gold award the challenges he wants to see, she attends most of her for achievement in both S1 and S2. faces and puts his appointments alone and programmes He loves football and is the top goal own worries aside her own hearing aid (under watchful scorer for his team this season. to ensure Rhys feels guidance!). She dreams of becoming ––Joy, mum to Ross (14) who is safe. I’m so proud I could burst. an audiologist herself and we’re moderately to severely deaf. ––Beth, mum to Ollie (10) who has a really proud of severe hearing loss. her confidence us has had repeated painful ear and growing Ginfections from six weeks old. hloe was born with an extremely independence. He tries really Crare bladder condition which ––Amanda, hard at all of affects her kidneys, and she then lost mum to Poppy his hospital her hearing at 18 (10) who is appointments months. Chloe has profoundly deaf even though it worked so hard in her right ear hurts at times. despite all her and moderately We’re so proud setbacks and is deaf in her left. of him for the predicted As and progress he’s Bs in her exams. made at nursery even though he She’s also a squad gets tired and isn’t always sure how gymnast and a Do you know a deaf child to communicate with children in his coach. She’s the � who’s a superstar? Parents, class. Keep up the hard work. most lovely caring extended family members ––Allison and Jamie, parents to Gus (4) girl who always and teachers or professionals who is moderately to severely deaf. puts others first. We’re so very proud can all nominate by emailing of her. [email protected]. ––Nicky, mum to Chloe (15) who is No matter what your child’s severely deaf. level of hearing loss or however big or small the achievement, we think it’s worth celebrating.
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I’m encouraging her to see what a privilege it is to know both these worlds and perhaps to be a bridge “ between them.
Mum Lisa explains how her daughter Poppy (10), who is moderately deaf, lives between two worlds…
SO HERE SHE IS, my beautiful girl. that she’s struggling to hear all the hearing world as much as possible, With her hair down she seems much time. They forget the limitations of getting, when she’s older, hearing aids like any other child, but under the hair hearing aids and somehow expect the that are hidden in the ear canal? Which are two hearing aids and a moderate technology to give her normal hearing. world should she inhabit – the hearing hearing loss. Thanks to a one or the deaf one? Poppy is between two worlds. She year of speech It seems that Poppy’s life will be is deaf, but lives totally in the hearing therapy when one of straddling those two worlds, world. She knows no other children she was not fitting fully into either, but there in her daily life who have a hearing young, Poppy are many amazing things to learn from loss. We live on the edge of a small now speaks both. So rather than wondering if her town and it’s incredibly rare to meet like a hearing life would actually be easier if she another child with a hearing loss round person. She were more deaf, I’m encouraging her here, let alone one of a similar age who is also adept to see what a privilege it is to know she might strike up a friendship with. at lip-reading both these worlds and perhaps to be a She does see plenty of hearing aids and filling in bridge between them. out there on the street, but they are Poppy the gaps in almost always being used by her hearing Find out more about the elderly people. with her � effects of moderate hearing Poppy isn’t deaf enough, at least imagination and intuition. It’s so easy loss at www.ndcs.org.uk/ in our county, to have an Education, to think she’s coping when she isn’t. mildmoderate. Health and Care plan. She isn’t deaf Her hearing loss isn’t a simple thing. Watch our teenage vloggers enough to attend deaf school. She isn’t She gets so tired from concentrating talk about their experiences considered deaf enough to need sign on listening all day at school, yet of being deaf. Go to language. She isn’t even deaf enough is expected to cope the same as www.youtube.com/ to appear deaf to others. a hearing child. She often misses ndcswebteam and search Poppy doesn’t belong to the deaf or misunderstands things and she ‘deaf vloggers’. world either. Told by a well-meaning struggles socially. Poppy suffers from Teacher of the Deaf when she was anxiety. She also has sensory issues, If you’d like to make contact diagnosed at just under three years old as if her other senses have gone into with other families with a deaf that she wouldn’t need sign language, overdrive to compensate for her child in your area, have a look at we never learnt. So now when Poppy hearing loss. www.ndcs.org.uk/localgroups does occasionally meet other deaf As her parent, I face a dilemma. or if you’re interested in kids, they are usually signing and she Do I encourage her to show people learning sign language visit can’t communicate with them. her disability – to wear her hair up so www.ndcs.org.uk/ People who meet Poppy, even her hearing aids are showing? Or do signlanguage. those who know her well, easily forget I encourage her to try to fit in to the www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 11 Roller-coaster ride
As life with a deaf daughter becomes normal “WOE BETIDE ANYONE who stands in Emmie’s way!” for parents Kerri and Laura, the worry, guilt and jokes Laura, mum to twins Emmie and Olive (4). “They can fear they once felt is finally subsiding… be very different,” she says. “Olive follows the rules, but for Emmie the rules are there to be broken!” Although they may be twins, there’s something else that makes life for Emmie and OIive different – Emmie is severely deaf and Olive is hearing. “In some ways, having twins made things harder,” says mum Kerri, thinking back to finding out that Emmie was deaf. “We were constantly comparing them and wondering if Emmie could do what Olive could do. Of course, the reality is that all children do things at different times. If we could only have seen then what we know now, Emmie’s story we would have been over the moon. She’s chatty and lively how her parents and they’re both full of life and joy.” came to terms But imagining a bright future for Emmie hasn’t always with her been easy for Kerri and Laura, who knew little about deafness deafness and what it would mean for their daughter. “In the beginning, we were baffled by what was happening,” says Kerri. “Emmie was startling at the dog barking so we were convinced she was hearing,” adds Laura. Would she But at Emmie’s third hearing test after her newborn hearing screening, she was diagnosed as moderately deaf. talk, fit “It was very matter of fact,” explains Kerri. “I was told I’d be put in touch with a Teacher of the Deaf and all sorts of other in, make information. But at the point I was told Emmie was deaf, I friends? just stopped listening – I couldn’t take it in.” With deafness 12 “National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk EARLY YEARS
very new to their lives, Kerri and Laura with the Teacher of the Deaf who’d found it hard to connect to the words been assigned to support Emmie an Your spring they were hearing to describe invaluable source of support. “She Emmie’s hearing loss. “I remember my gave us loads of practical things that checklist mum telling someone that Emmie we could do, like turning off the TV was deaf,” says Kerri. “I was really to reduce background noise, and for the upset. We were told Emmie had a that was great – we felt like we were early moderate hearing loss – we were not doing something useful,” says Laura, coming to terms with having a deaf admitting she felt powerless when years child at that point.” Emmie was first diagnosed and then Kerri remembers first calling the fitted with hearing aids at three National Deaf Children’s Society as months old. another difficult step in the early days. The Teacher of the Deaf also “I had to ring and say that I had a deaf introduced Kerri and Laura to another Connecting with child and at that point I didn’t want to family with a deaf child. “The family other families say that very much,” she recalls. In a we’d been put in touch with had a Many families with deaf children new and unfamiliar world, Kerri and toddler who was starting to talk and use our discussion forum, Parent Laura worried a lot about what the develop language,” says Kerri. “It was Place, and Facebook page to share future might hold. “I was worrying a glimpse into the future – we realised experiences and advice. If you’d like about all the unnecessary things at that everything could be just fine.” to get support from others in a similar the beginning,” says Kerri. “Would she Armed with information and other situation or share your tips with other talk, fit in, make friends? And we were people’s experiences, and seeing their parents then have a look at constantly analysing her for any signs daughter gradually walk and develop www.parentplace.org and of other conditions.” Early emotions language, Kerri and Laura began to www.facebook.com/ndcsuk. for the couple extended beyond move on from the worries that had worries about their daughter’s health consumed them. Apps for developing and future. “I also remember feeling “We realised that the things we early skills really guilty,” says Kerri. “Would she be worried about in the beginning aren’t There are many different types of angry with me, as her birth mother?” worth it. The reality is that it’s a roller app which could help your child to coaster and always will be,” says Kerri, develop vital skills such as language, She’s no reflecting on discovering that communication, literacy and play. Emmie’s hearing loss recently Have a look at our apps resource at longer Emmie progressed to severe. “It’s one www.ndcs.org.uk/apps to find our deaf challenge at a time, and when you out more. reach the next challenge you look child – she’s back on the previous one and think it Radio just Emmie. wasn’t so bad.” aids With Emmie’s speech on a par Even very young children could with her peer group and the twins benefit from a radio aid. Download our At a National Deaf Children’s starting school together in September, updated guide How Radio Aids Can Help Society weekend for families with a Kerri and Laura are ready for any to find out more about the different “newly identified deaf child, Kerri and challenges that lie ahead. “Life isn’t types of radio aid and how they could Laura realised the journey that lay going to be exactly the same as the benefit your child. ahead to begin coping with Emmie’s one we thought they’d have, but that’s www.ndcs.org.uk/radioaids deafness. “There were other parents ridiculous because you’ve got no idea with slightly older children saying how their life is going to be anyway,” How radio aids can help they wouldn’t change things and I says Kerri. “She’s no longer Emmie A guide for families remember thinking that was a long our deaf child – she’s just Emmie. Her way from where we were,” says deafness is normal to us now – it’s just Kerri, still then coming to terms with part of what makes her the unique the diagnosis. character she is.” Making decisions was also difficult, faced with many options and much If you’ve recently found out new information. But determined to � your child is deaf we have lots support Emmie however they could, of information that can help. Kerri and Laura threw themselves Have a look at into finding out as much as possible, www.ndcs.org.uk/baby. www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 13 Why even one deaf ear matters!
Katherine’s son Monty is profoundly deaf in one LAUGHING ALOUD at her husband’s joke, Katherine ear but she was told it wouldn’t affect him and spotted Monty scampering into the room. “What’s funny?” nothing needed to be done. Then she discovered he asked, eagerly. For Katherine and Toby, seeing Monty (8) CROS (contralateral routing of signal) aids and keen to join in was fantastic. So much had changed since he got his CROS aid, which helped his unilateral deafness. was astonished at the impact… Monty caught meningitis at six weeks old and doctors battled to save his life. When he was well enough to go home six weeks later, hearing tests showed he had no hearing in his left ear. “When your child has nearly died, It’s lovely; the fact that he’s alive is all that matters, being deaf isn’t significant,” says Katherine. “It was only later focus turned if you’re to his hearing.” laughing he’ll Monty had regular hearing tests but audiologists insisted no intervention was needed; his good ear would suffice. But come rushing Monty’s story as time went on, Katherine and Toby, who also have sons in from how a CROS aid Stanley (18) and Albert (10), began to question this. “The helped his general consensus of the professionals was that unilateral another room unilateral deafness isn’t a problem. But I’d massively contradict that to see what’s deafness now from my experience,” says Katherine. “On his left side Monty literally couldn’t hear anything. If someone spoke to “ going on. He him on that side, he’d have no idea unless he happened to doesn’t want turn and look. He’d get ear infections and glue ear in his good ear, leaving him with very little hearing. They tried him with to miss out. a hearing aid, but it was no help.” Over the years, Katherine realised the significant impact deafness had on Monty’s development – his personality, his speech and communication and his confidence. “His speech and language development were very behind. It definitely made him shy. He hid his lack of language skills, avoided activities that needed dialogue and negotiation; he’d suggest football instead,” she says. “It affected people’s interpretation of Monty. They’d think he didn’t want to be involved – I knew he did, but he didn’t know how. He’d
14 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk PRIMARY YEARS
She called ahead of Monty’s next They’d think audiology appointment, insisting he didn’t she’d be wanting a CROS aid. A new audiologist agreed. “When they’d want to be fitted it, I whispered ‘I love you’ into involved – I Monty’s deaf ear, and he looked up at Your spring knew he did, me and said ‘I love you too, Mummy.’. It was so emotional,” sas Katherine. checklist but he didn’t Monty’s brothers were amazed and for the know how. played games, speaking from another room, which Monty wouldn’t usually primary “ hear. “They said things like ‘Monty’s a poo-poo’ and were astonished years watch from the sidelines. He struggled when he replied ‘No I’m not!’” says in a noisy environment. Something Katherine. “At the dinner table he exciting could be happening and he’d can now follow a conversation. And have no idea. I’ve watched other Toby and I can be chatting in a noisy children speak to him from the left, street, with Monty between us, and Speech and then when Monty didn’t respond, he’ll pipe up to join in! In the car he can language therapy walk away hear without someone interpreting Speech and language therapy can help thinking he’s because he can’t see to lip-read. children to develop communication unfriendly.” “The difference is incredible. He’s skills. Visit www.ndcs.org.uk/SLT At three, definitely more involved in for more information on how it could Monty started everything. He’s more extrovert benefit your child. at the nursery and approaches other children. his brothers The youngest two argue more now Daisy and Ted’s had gone to, because Monty contradicts Albert, Awesome Adventures but Katherine whereas before he wouldn’t have We’ve published our very own soon had joined in! It’s lovely; if you’re laughing storybook – Daisy and Ted’s Awesome misgivings. he’ll come rushing in from another Adventures. This exciting story aimed at “He clearly struggled but they didn’t room to see what’s happening. He four to seven year olds follows Daisy, take his deafness seriously,” says doesn’t want to miss out.” a girl who is deaf and wears a hearing Katherine. “They refused to give him They’re hoping Monty will be able aid, on fun adventures with her new one-to-one time and one teaching to catch up and cope with mainstream friend Ted. In this colourful tale where assistant said: ‘He can hear when he secondary school. “Since getting the nothing limits the imagination, Daisy wants to.’ I was so upset.” CROS aid, everything’s fitting into and Ted encounter pirates, wizards They switched Monty to a place,” says Katherine. “People don’t and princes on their travels through Montessori school, which teaches understand deafness. Even though time and space. To find out more, and children up to 16, and Katherine you tell them: ‘Make sure you face him buy a copy, go to www.ndcs.org.uk/ home schooled him two days a week. and tap him to alert him,’ they forget awesomeadventures. Monty began to thrive, but the real because he copes so well lip-reading breakthrough came last summer when and is very visual; they’re not seeing Supporting achievement Katherine contacted the National Deaf how much effort it’s costing him. in special schools video Children’s Society. “I needed validation “We’re seeing such a big difference. If your child goes to a special school that his hearing loss is significant – it If only he’d had it earlier. I feel I’ve (not a specialist deaf school) and has was such a relief to feel they were failed as a parent; it would’ve been additional needs, you could show this behind us,” says Katherine. We gave her useful if audiologists had alerted me to video to their teachers. It suggests information about devices that could alternatives. I’d like to dispel the myth five simple things teachers can do help. One is a bone conduction hearing that unilateral deafness isn’t a big deal, to support a deaf child in their class. implant (BCHI), a sound processor held that it won’t affect a child significantly. You can watch the video on our on the head behind the ear, fixed to a It really can.” YouTube channel. screw implanted in the skull. The other www.youtube.com/ is a CROS aid, a hearing aid-like device For more information on ndcswebteam worn on the deaf ear, which picks up � unilateral deafness visit our sound from that side and sends it to webpage at www.ndcs.org. another device on the good ear. “We uk/unilateral. To find out more didn’t want a BCHI because I wouldn’t about CROS aids have a look put him through non-essential surgery at our booklet Hearing Aids: after everything he went through as a Information for families which baby. But the CROS aid sounded good,” can be downloaded from www. says Katherine. ndcs.org.uk/hearingaidsinfo. www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 15 Best of both worlds
Polly tried different schools for daughter POLLY WATCHES AS Isabella darts around the netball Isabella, who is profoundly deaf, and found court. Isabella (13) loves sport and she’s thrived since being being able to have a foot in both camps was the at a mainstream independent school, progressing in class key to success and happiness… and also making friends. “That’s one advantage of a local school – she can walk to school with friends and see them afterwards,” says Polly. Isabella, who’s profoundly deaf with one cochlear implant, had started at a deaf school at nursery age and thrived. “She’d been diagnosed at 11 months,” says Polly. “Myself and my partner Michael immediately started a British Sign Language (BSL) Level 1 course. Isabella had been waiting for a way to communicate! She picked up signing so quickly.” Isabella’s story Reading up on deafness and education, Polly realised how she made the private nursery Isabella attended wasn’t suitable. The the transition couple visited a deaf school and were instantly sold. “BSL from specialist was the first language there,” says Polly. “It was perfect to mainstream for Isabella’s needs. There she was normal, not disabled. school The penny dropped – she’d be totally accepted there, fit in naturally, rather than having to try.” Polly took her to weekly drop-in sessions and applied for a statement of special educational needs (SEN) that would allow her to have a nursery and school place there, but was refused. After a nightmare battle, five days before Tribunal the local authority agreed to assess Isabella and she got a place at two-and-a-half years old. When she was three, Isabella had a cochlear implant. “The Teacher of the Deaf and audiologist tried persuading us to She was going from move her out of deaf school, worried she wouldn’t learn speech. We argued that at home we used speech, so she had a school that was both,” says Polly. knowledgeable Over two years Isabella made good progress, relied on BSL to communicate but at home learnt to listen and lip- about deafness to read. By Year 2 she was learning speech so well Polly felt one that wasn’t. she’d cope at mainstream school. “Her deaf school was 16 “National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk SECONDARY YEARS I think it’s really important for professionals to be working towards a more holistic approach to deaf children in mainstream. Your spring brilliant, it was small, did lots of trips agreed if we paid the school fees for experience-based learning, but it they’d fund an interpreter one day checklist was an hour away; we wanted her to a week,” says Polly. “They’ve small for the “have local friends and to have hearing classes and the overall environment friends as well as deaf,” says Polly. is calm and purposeful, conducive to secondary They did a ‘dual placement’ her needs.” transition, starting with one day A year on, they’re confident it’s years a week at mainstream school, the best available way forward for when Isabella would have her Isabella. “Ideally she’d be in a school communication support worker with some other deaf children using (CSW) with her. By the end of Year BSL,” says Polly. “But she’s doing 3, she was full time. “She was going amazingly well. She was behind Technology Test Drive from a school that was knowledgeable but she’s worked hard to catch up. open to young people about deafness to one that wasn’t. She She’s involved with extra-curricular Did you know that our Technology kept a full-time CSW; it was important activities and is confident; she recently Test Drive (product loan service) is to keep signing to keep up with her played Lady Macbeth in a school open to children and young people as hearing peers, especially in noisy production and also performs at a well as their parents? We lend a halls or groups. Classes were bigger local theatre group.” whole range of products such as but well managed. We asked for a Now Polly and Michael face a vibrating alarm clocks, radio aids, soundfield system and it took a year similar journey with Isabella’s younger phones, TV listeners and more. Visit to get it. sister Rosa (8), who’s severely deaf. www.ndcs.org.uk/tech_drive to see “Though her listening skills Rosa wears hearing aids, has speech the full range. increased she needed BSL for and signs. She went to the same deaf emotional and mental wellbeing too. school nursery as Isabella and has Help your child She was so well supported by her been at the same mainstream primary stay safe online deaf CSW; usually the onus is on the school since reception. We have lots of information to help deaf child to fit in. This had all been “Rosa has a CSW too; that’s how your child stay safe online. We have a put in place, so Isabella was social, they’ve both managed to keep up,” webpage for parents at www.ndcs. gregarious, confident and interested in says Polly. “Both girls are bilingual, org.uk/esafety and some tips in meeting new people.” equally comfortable with both British Sign Language which can be At secondary transition Polly languages, and have deaf and hearing found by searching ‘how to stay safe applied to a local church school but friends. I think it’s really important for online’ on our YouTube channel: they refused Isabella a place, saying professionals to be working towards www.youtube.com/ndcswebteam. they couldn’t accommodate her a more holistic approach to deaf needs, including the full-time CSW. children in mainstream. Know Polly challenged the decision but “My kids rely on their hearing aids/ your rights the Tribunal judge upheld it, because cochlear implant and use them well Do you of the additional cost of meeting but they also have a strong Deaf understand Isabella’s needs at the church school. identity with deaf friends. They want your and your Know your rights: Getting support from your She was placed at a local mainstream to have that connection with the deaf child's rights local council in England school with a resource unit and world and I think it would serve deaf when it comes a CSW. “We felt they didn’t have children and the hearing community to education, high expectations, their academic better (in terms of awareness, work, financial achievements weren’t good and acceptance and understanding) support and it was chaotic,” says Polly. “All our if parents, professionals and the their health? worries came to fruition. Isabella Government could work towards It’s important was unhappy, started opting out of offering both to a really high standard. you and your things, withdrawing. It wasn’t an That’s real inclusion!” child know their JR0994a Know Your Rights - England AW.indd 1 21/10/2016 14:43 environment that we wanted for her.” rights, so you can make sure they are They looked at mainstream schools, We have more information on being treated equally and can speak up but were refused places. Desperate � choosing the right school for if they aren’t. Find out more at to give Isabella the best outcome, your child at www.ndcs.org. www.ndcs.org.uk/rights. they applied for a place at a local uk/choosing and www.ndcs. independent school. “Partway into the org.uk/startingsecondary. first term of Year 8, the local authority www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 17 Reading the signs
Feeling she was missing out on part of her deaf FOR THE FIRST NINE YEARS OF HER LIFE, identity, Anwyn (then 14) decided to learn Anwyn’s borderline severe deafness wasn’t officially British Sign Language (BSL), but accessing it diagnosed and was simply seen as part of who she was. hasn’t been easy. “Me and my family had no idea there was anything wrong with me.” Anwyn (now 15) recalls. Despite having hearing tests, mum Ruth was told Anwyn’s hearing problems were due to severe glue ear. But when she had grommets they didn’t help. Eventually it was a school nurse who identified Anwyn’s hearing loss. “I had a hearing test in the school library and I was scared because I didn’t know whether being deaf was a really bad thing,” says Anwyn. “I thought it was like an exam, so I bungled up the results by pressing the button even when Anwyn’s story there wasn’t a beep.” The nurse then spoke to Ruth about why she chose her concerns about Anwyn’s hearing. “She said: ‘I don’t want to learn British to worry you, but I think your daughter has a problem with Sign Language her hearing,’ and I thought, ‘Yes, at last somebody is actually aged 14 agreeing,’ and she got Anwyn referred to an audiologist,” says Ruth. Anwyn had a different reaction: “I wasn’t very happy with the diagnosis; I was scared and confused – my primary school didn’t have that much experience of deaf kids.” After the diagnosis her school made sure Anwyn was at the front of the class and people were talking to her directly. However, living in a small town in Wales, they were fairly isolated and didn’t have much access to information on Anwyn has access deafness. Ruth didn’t really know what support to ask for. “Anwyn was doing well academically and that seemed to be to English and Welsh okay,” she says. “People were saying, ‘She can’t be deaf, she’s classes because she perfectly fine.’ She can speak wonderfully in two languages – English and Welsh – so therefore nothing was wrong.” needs English to Lack of access to information and services meant learning communicate and BSL wasn’t an immediate option. “We were very isolated,” says Anwyn. “I’d seen sign language on CBeebies but I didn’t she is Welsh, but know it was for deaf people! I didn’t know anything about “ she is also deaf. the Deaf community or deaf communication. I was very 18 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk YOUNG PEOPLE 15–18
Going on the Listening Bus was absolutely amazing: that was the first time I finally realised I wasn’t alone. Your spring checklist for deaf lonely as a kid; I thought being deaf and identity. Going forward she can young people was something wrong.” say ‘I am deaf’ verbally and she can “It was only after visiting the also say it with her hands and body. aged 15–18 National Deaf Children’s Society That, I think, really strengthens her Listening Bus (now known as the communication.” This was clear when Roadshow) aged 14 that things really Anwyn recently went on a National changed for Anwyn. “Going on the Deaf Children’s Society residential Listening Bus was absolutely amazing: weekend event. “There were three Duke of that was the first time I finally realised people who communicated just using Edinburgh’s Award I wasn’t alone. We were so excited, sign language and it was really useful The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scared, happy and angry because this because I was able to pick up what scheme is an inclusive youth awards had all been kept from us,” she recalls. they were saying and interpret,” programme where young people can “They told us about places I could she explains. work towards an achievement that go to meet more deaf people. The A keen writer, Anwyn is combining will help increase their independence, thing I found really interesting was her newfound BSL skills with her community participation and that the way people communicated poetry and hopes to use these problem-solving abilities. This could was really direct and clear, honest to spread deaf awareness in her be a great opportunity for a deaf and really open. That, to me, struck a community. “I’d like to put a show young person to enhance their CV and chord that this is a whole new way of together with my poems and my BSL. push their personal boundaries. Find communicating.” People don’t know what’s available to out more at www.dofe.org. That visit inspired Anwyn to learn them because we’re in a small town BSL, but accessing it wasn’t easy. “I in the middle of nowhere, so I want Part-time contacted as many people as I could, to raise awareness,” she says. When jobs trying to find out where Anwyn could it comes to her future, Anwyn would Has your child considered finding a have BSL lessons,” says Ruth. “There like to go into film and TV and use part-time job? Having a part-time job isn’t anywhere locally that teaches that as a platform to further increase as a teenager could help to increase a BSL to her age group and I soon deaf awareness. “I would have more deaf young person’s confidence and realised the lack of services because deaf people on TV. The first time I saw aspirations for the future. Find out we live in Wales is very unfair. Anwyn a young deaf character on TV was more about your child’s rights when it has access to English and Welsh on Doctor Who and it was absolutely comes to employment at www.ndcs. classes because she needs English to amazing,” she remembers. “She was org.uk/rightspostschool. communicate and she is Welsh, but completely deaf and she was the she is also deaf. That is part of her leader and people respected and Supporting your child identity and yet she’s denied access to looked up to her. She was using sign with their PIP application BSL because it isn’t available. I think language and I ran around the house Personal Independence Payment it’s profoundly unfair for deaf children screaming!” (PIP) replaces Disability Living to be denied part of their culture.” Anwyn advises other deaf young Allowance for adults and young It was by sheer chance that Anwyn people who want to learn BSL but people aged 16 and over who have has been able to learn BSL. A friend may not have easy access to it to difficulties with daily living or with of Ruth’s, Graham, used to work as keep pushing. She says, “You deserve getting around. Some parents have a communication support worker to know sign language and if no asked us for guidance in supporting with students in further and higher one’s going to let you do it, just keep their child to complete their PIP education and is teaching Anwyn. pushing… politely though!” application. You can find information “Graham learnt sign language to about this as well as a factsheet communicate with his nephew and We have information about especially for deaf young people at then he kept taking it further. He’s a � learning sign language at www. www.ndcs.org.uk/PIP. very good teacher,” explains Ruth. ndcs.org.uk/signlanguage. “He’s teaching Anwyn all the grammar To find out more about the and how to construct sentences. Roadshow visit www.ndcs.org. “I feel strongly that BSL is uk/roadshow. important for Anwyn’s confidence www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 19 Giving deaf young people a chance
“I ALWAYS WANTED TO WORK with electrical things,” beams Max. “They’re really interesting.” “Max was into trains since before he could walk,” Max (19), who uses British Sign Language adds dad Rob. “It all stemmed from there.” Max was (BSL), is thriving in his engineering diagnosed profoundly deaf at three weeks old and had a apprenticeship but difficulty passing his cochlear implant at 18 months. He communicates using a functional skills English was holding him back, combination of BSL and speech and at home the family use Sign Supported English (SSE). so his family campaigned for change… Due to a family connection, at age 14 Max began helping out at a local electrical company in the school holidays. He then did his work experience placement there and at 16 was offered an apprenticeship. “It made sense. I’d always been interested in engineering so I just thought ‘Why not?’ I was really excited about my first day,” remembers Max, who does four days a week at work and one at college. “I’ve done my Intermediate Apprenticeship and am now in the second year of my Advanced Apprenticeship. At college we learn things like engineering principles and health Max’s story and safety and I have support from an interpreter and a how a change in notetaker. At work I do cleaning, electrical installations, policy has rewinding of coils, detailing of parts and connecting wires – affected his some very in-depth jobs.” apprenticeship “Max and his supervisor John deal with some big motors,” says David, Max’s employer. “They rebuild them completely. Max with David On one Max cleaned out the slotting, a difficult job, and he had it absolutely perfect. It’s amazing how he’s got on.” “John gets on with Max really well,” says Rob. “They’ve never had a problem communicating – they use SSE and lip-reading.” It’s very difficult to “Some of our colleagues were originally concerned about translate BSL into Max’s deafness from a health and safety perspective but they just didn’t understand what he could do. Max has been English and for it trained to safely use the crane and electrical tools such as all to make sense. the band saw,” explains David. But while Max is thriving at work, one aspect of his apprenticeship has been holding him back. The assessment criteria set by the Government required all apprentices to achieve certain levels of maths, English and ICT. The “ English has proved particularly difficult for Max because 20 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk YOUNG PEOPLE 19–25
We hope in the future that Max will develop enough English to do an HNC and that they may be able to assess him in a different way. Your spring checklist his first language is BSL and because supportive. He followed it through and he is also dyslexic. When he finished the Government agreed to change the for deaf his Intermediate Apprenticeship he criteria from September 2016.” young people hadn’t“ achieved the required English This policy change was officially functional skills level one. He wasn’t announced in January and while it's good aged 19–25 expected to pass it and would be held news for deaf young people considering back indefinitely without any funding apprenticeships, Max still hasn’t to continue his course. “Sometimes received any written confirmation he was near the end of the line and of how this will affect him and others we had to really push him and tell him already doing apprenticeships. He just Technology to he could do it,” Rob remembers. Max has to wait and see. help in the workplace eventually passed 18 months after his “We hope in the future that Max will There are lots of products that first attempt. “I just scraped it,” he says. develop enough English to do an HNC might help you on a work placement “It’s very difficult to translate BSL into and that they may be able to assess or apprenticeship, in a part-time English and for it all to make sense.” him in a different way – that with the job or when working full time. Max’s funding restarted and he change in policy not having the English These include personal listeners, began his Advanced Apprenticeship, will be less of a problem,” shares Rob. streamers and text phones. For more but to complete it he must now pass “The change in policy gives deaf young information go to www.ndcs.org.uk/ functional skills in English at level two. people a chance,” Heather adds. workplacetechnology. “I know people in their twenties who “If a deaf young person wants to can’t get level two – you can just go on learn a practical skill they need to Disability for years with it,” sighs Rob. “So this pester companies,” Rob advises. “See Confident scheme was the argument that BSL needed to if you can go in for a week and get If you’re looking for a job, look out for be recognised as equivalent to English.” some experience. If they like you then employers displaying the Disability “Max’s English is by no means at the you stand a good chance of getting Confident logo on their adverts. The same level as his intelligence,” adds somewhere.” Disability Confident (previously mum Heather. “He knows everything “I’m sure Max will finish his known as Two Ticks) scheme he needs to do to pass; it’s just getting it apprenticeship, although it might take encourages employers to become down on paper – it’s so frustrating.” him a bit longer with the theoretical more confident about employing Max has been fortunate to have side. When he qualifies we hope he’ll and retaining disabled people. You lots of support from his parents, stay with us and move up,” says David. can find more information about both through them helping develop “I’d like that,” concludes Max. “It’s a Disability Confident atwww.gov.uk/ his English and in campaigning for really interesting job and I love it.” government/collections/disability- the recognition of BSL. Before Max confident-campaign. passed his level one functional skills For more information on and faced being unable to continue � the policy change see www. Volunteering with his apprenticeship, Rob wrote gov.uk/government/news/ overseas to the Government department then equal-opportunities-for- Are you interested in volunteering responsible for the funding and to his people-who-use-british-sign- overseas? VoluntEars is an MP. But it wasn’t until he got other language. organisation which specialises deaf organisations involved that he in arranging volunteering trips to We have a collection of made progress. “We contacted the developing countries for deaf resources for deaf young National Deaf Children’s Society, people. Find out more at people, their parents and Signature, BATOD (the British www.voluntears.info. employers to help break Association of Teachers of the Deaf) down barriers to employment and ADEPT (Association of Deaf for deaf young people Education Professionals and Trainees) at www.ndcs.org.uk/ and found out Signature was trying breakingdownbarriers. to get BSL formally recognised as a qualification equivalent to GCSE If your child is considering English,” explains Rob. “With these doing an apprenticeship have organisations behind me I went a look at www.ndcs.org.uk/ back to my MP who was then really apprenticeship. www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 21 How do I… …help my child to travel independently?
Travelling alone can be daunting for a deaf child or young person, but it can help with their independence to be able to get around on their own. Parents and young people share their tips to help you and your child feel more confident.
Elizabeth is mum to Francesca Mark is dad to George and (17), who is profoundly deaf. Patrick (both 14), who both This has always been a have moderate to severe dilemma for us too, being hearing loss. deaf ourselves! The best The first thing we do is get one options for us, and we can of the boys to take the lead in recommend this, is to try working out the route, buying to ensure a direct route on tickets and following signs while the train or as few changes travelling. The second is to get as possible. Otherwise them to download and learn travel by coach, but this how to use a satnav app on their can be time-consuming. phone. The best free one we’ve Francesca The only thing you can’t found is called HERE WeGo – predict is if train times it works without needing a It increases change or a train is cancelled. data connection when out and On one occasion Francesca had about. You my confidence to change trains at Birmingham, can download and gives me but not at New Street. Instead other it was a completely different countries peace of mind. station and she had to ask about to use it it. Fortunately a member of abroad too. staff showed her where it was. I JOIN OUR FAMILY PANEL suggest that they have a pre- printed card to say where they � Next time in Families magazine: want to go to show to station How do I… give my child the “ staff. Obviously a deaf young best holiday experience? person could also text their George If you have any tips, advice parents to say they are on the and Patrick or suggestions to share, get train and ask what time the train in touch at magazine is expected to arrive. @ndcs.org.uk.
22 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk HOW DO I…
Sharon is mum to Florence (17), who is profoundly deaf. The main challenges for Florence when travelling independently are not being able to hear announcements, not feeling confident to ask for help and being worried she may not hear the Even the response. To start with, don’t shortest make a deaf young person journey is an do anything they are achievement. uncomfortable with and Florence start with short journeys. Let them We initially encouraged Florence to travel to her have a go! grandma’s on the train. I saw her on to the train and granny met her directly off the “ train at the other end. The station staff are very happy to allow you on to the platform if you ask. We also encouraged Florence to do trips with friends to build her confidence. We did lots of journeys together when she was younger Amy and I used to let her take charge of the journey, such as navigating Amy (17), who has moderate the tube in London. to severe hearing loss and is a it will be stopping at so I can keep We now give Florence an member of the Young People’s track of where I am. itinerary of every stage of her Advisory Board (YAB). If I’m unsure about anything journey: what time the train My advice for a deaf young I always ask the station staff leaves, when it arrives, any person travelling independently questions such as ‘Is this train changes, etc. She also uses train is to first check your route. For going to London Euston?’ It apps so she can check if trains example if you’re catching a increases my confidence and are on time. Journeys can take bus, check which number it is gives me peace of mind for the unexpected turns, with cancelled and where it will be stopping. journey. trains for example, so encourage This will make you feel more Make sure you have a mobile young people to problem-solve comfortable as you’ll know phone with enough credit to scenarios. What might they do if where you’ll be travelling to. It’s call someone if you don’t know a train is cancelled? In case there also useful to check bus times. what to do or don’t feel well, for are problems, make sure they One tip is to find out if you’re example. I add people’s numbers have contact numbers of friends eligible for a free bus pass. I to my phone so I can call them or family that can help. have one and find it very useful if I’m stuck. It can be helpful to The confidence will come because it gives me so much take a notepad to write things in time – children mature at independence. I can catch a bus down and to take some hearing different ages, so don’t push to the seaside or to go shopping. aid/cochlear implant batteries them too soon. Start small You eventually get to know the just in case. Also make sure you and praise success, as even bus drivers who are always ready have some money on you to the shortest journey is an to help. buy something to eat or drink if achievement. Let them have If you’re catching a train, make necessary. a go! sure you arrive at the station at If you’d like to start travelling least 20 minutes before it leaves independently, I’d only take small to be safe. Double-check what steps at first. For example, catch Eligibility and availability of time the train will be coming and a bus to a nearby village/city to � free bus travel can vary. Find on which platform. Before each go for a walk. It might be easier if out what’s available in your train journey I check the stations you take a friend with you! area at www.gov.uk/apply- for-disabled-bus-pass. www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 23 elcome to Tear out these pages, give them to your child and let their creativity run wild! Scribble Club, our new activity section for deaf children just like you. Have you had any awesome adventures with Daisy and Ted yet? Colour in this picture of them in awesome colours!
In our storybook Daisy and Ted’s Awesome Adventures, Ted makes a new friend called Daisy, who is deaf, and they have lots of exciting adventures. www.ndcs.org.uk/awesomeadventures
24 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk Tear out these pages, give them to your child and let their creativity run wild!
Alfie (9), who is profoundly deaf
What would you like to be when you grow up? I’d like to Write a description or poem or draw design video a picture below of what you’d like games because to be when you grow up – the more then I’d get adventurous, the better! to play on the Playstation “ all day!
www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 25 Residential places Day and available
Supporting students to be resilient, independent and skilled, enabling them to achieve their future aspirations
OUTSTANDINGOFSTED for social care
OFSTED 2014 GRADED We are a specialist college who take students from all over the country with a speci c communication need including: Deafness/Hearing Impairment - Autistic Spectrum Condition - Learning Disabilities and Dif culties. Our aim is to support students to gain employment and maximise personal and social development through our unique approach for individual learning needs. For further information, please contact: 01302 386720
Leger Way, Doncaster DN2 6AY OFSTED 2014 www.cscdoncaster.co.uk The Communication Specialist College is GRADED owned and operated by Doncaster Deaf Trust GOOD [email protected] www.cscprospectus.co.uk Registered in England No. 4105045 Registered Chaity No. 1088060
Our new storybook, Daisy and Ted’s Awesome Adventures, is an ideal gift for children aged 4–7.
This exciting adventure story follows a deaf girl and her hearing friend on their imaginary travels through time and space. It’s a great way to get children thinking about deafness but ultimately it’s an imaginative tale any child can enjoy.
All money raised will help us to create a world without barriers for deaf children. www.ndcs.org.uk/ awesomeadventures ASK THE EXPERT ask the
Daniel expert
Each issue a different Set your goals professional shares their and grab every expert advice and gives opportunity… information to help you support your child. This time Daniel Clements, Service Co-ordinator supporting deaf young people into employment at the Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD), shares his insights. “ How do you support deaf young What sorts of jobs are young people people into employment? you work with usually aiming for? We provide bespoke support delivered to deaf young Young people have a wide range of aspirations and we’ve people in their first language, whether that’s sign language supported them to get jobs in interior design, construction, or speech. Together we create a pathway designed around supermarkets, fashion, marketing, social care and teaching. the individual to help them set realistic goals and achieve their aspirations. We can offer support via one-to-one What’s most challenging about your role? meetings (including webcam sessions) and through group Sometimes it’s hard to make sure interviews and work. There are opportunities to take part in skills and assessments are adapted and, if needed, supported with information workshops and we help deaf young people an interpreter. As interview dates can be set at short build their CVs, navigate the job application process and notice, there can be very little time for adaptations, understand the Government’s Access to Work scheme. making them harder to put in place. We work hard with We also support employers so new recruits can sustain employers to reduce workplace barriers so deaf young their employment. people can successfully secure and sustain employment.
What types of deaf young people do you What’s most enjoyable? work with? Seeing what young people have achieved, both short We aim to support deaf people of all ages in the UK. and long term, after receiving our support. Looking This includes all levels of deafness and education, from back at their journeys and seeing that, despite barriers those with no or few qualifications to those with degrees. and obstacles, their achievements were worth it. We also help those looking to work whilst in education. Do you have any tips for deaf young When and how might they come to you people currently seeking employment? for support? Set your goals and grab every opportunity. If you come We accept self-referrals and referrals from other across any issues or barriers remember these can be organisations and professionals. Initially we have an informal overcome. Your journey doesn’t have to be fixed; it can chat with the young person so we can better understand change with you. Seek all the information you can about their needs and current situation. This allows us to make possible careers so you can choose a job that really sure they are appointed an appropriate support worker. works for you and matches your skills and experience.
What sort of support can you offer them? The support varies depending on the needs of the individual To see videos of other professionals and continues for as long as it’s needed. We encourage � who may support your child, go to weekly support with tasks set between sessions, as well www.ndcs.org.uk/whowillhelp. as offering fortnightly and monthly support depending Find out more about the Royal Association on the individual’s needs. If a young person moves into for Deaf People at www.royaldeaf.org.uk. employment and this isn’t working for whatever reason, we can support both the employer and the individual further. www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 27 Choosing childcare for your deaf child
Finding the right childcare can be challenging for any parent. As a parent of a deaf child, there are a range of other issues you’ll also need to consider to make sure childcare is accessible and your child gets the support they need.
Your options Depending on where you live there will be different childcare options available to you, including nurseries, pre-schools and playgroups, childminders and nannies/au pairs. In some areas there may be specialist childcare options specifically aimed at deaf or disabled children. Each local or education authority should have a Family or Childcare Information Service listing the childcare options available in your area. You can find yours atfindyourfis. familyandchildcaretrust.org.
You can also ask for suggestions and children. If they are warm, welcoming ●● Share our Supporting the advice from your child’s Teacher of the and open to receiving advice and Achievement of Hearing Deaf or parents of other deaf children training, they may become an excellent Impaired Children in Early Years in your area. Our new resource childcare provider for your child. Settings resource (available Choosing Childcare for Your Deaf Child from www.ndcs.org.uk/ Checklist, available from www.ndcs. supportingachievement) with org.uk/childcare, could also help Tips for choosing childcare your chosen childcare provider to you to find the right childcare for your help them understand how best child. It includes questions for you to ●● Try to visit a range of childcare to support your child. consider, such as: options, ideally with your child. Use our checklists to make notes ●● Create a personal passport with ●● how deaf-friendly, welcoming to help you compare. information about your child’s and inclusive is the childcare needs, using the templates on ●● Involve friends and family – ask if our website. www.ndcs.org.uk/ ●● is the childcare able to encourage they can come with you on your passports your child’s language and visits to help you decide. communication skills ●● Read up on your and your child’s ●● Ask for references from at least rights to help and support. ●● does the childcare have a good two other parents. Sometimes just showing you’re listening environment so your aware of your rights can quickly child can listen, learn and socialise ●● Check the childcare provider nip any problems in the bud. effectively? is of good quality and that staff have all the relevant Remember that staff at some early qualifications. Childminders We have more information on years settings may not have had much should be registered and nannies � your childcare rights and on contact with deaf children before or can sometimes volunteer to be. childcare policy and requirements know much about deafness, so it’s In most cases, you can look up in England, Northern Ireland, important to get a sense of their ethos inspection reports for a nursery, Scotland and Wales at and attitude towards supporting deaf pre-school or childminder. www.ndcs.org.uk/childcare.
28 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk EDUCATION AND LEARNING
Supporting your child’s education and learning Kate is mum to Eva (3) who was born profoundly deaf and has bilateral this spring cochlear implants. Eva communicates using both speech and British Sign Language (BSL).
Eva is a real live-wire and full of energy so Moving to another school we decided to enrol her in some part-time or college this September childcare as soon as she turned two. I (England, Wales and am a stay-at-home mother but I felt she Northern Ireland) would benefit from time around other If your child has a statement or children her age to build social skills and Education, Health and Care (EHC) relationships. plan and is due to move to another Kate and Eva school in September, the local Choosing the best place for her seemed authority must have issued a new an overwhelming decision at first but statement/EHC plan naming the we soon decided that a smaller, more intimate setting new school by 15 February. But for might be less intimidating and perhaps offer a smaller young people moving to a further staff-to-child ratio. This helped us narrow down education (FE) college (England our options to two places. Although both seemed only), the deadline is 31 March. You fantastic, the positive and approachable attitude of can find more information on EHC the staff at one immediately stood out. They weren’t plans at www.ndcs.org.uk/ fazed by Eva’s hearing loss and were keen to do specialeducationalneeds. what they could to aid her pre-school experience. We realised that this was a huge factor: these people Moving on from school would help shape Eva’s early experiences of education, If your child will be leaving learning and trust outside of the home. school in summer 2017, you should start discussing their The nursery has adapted in many ways to meet Eva’s options now, including university, needs: learning some signs and how her processors careers and apprenticeships. Find work, employing routines that Eva can rely on out more at www.ndcs.org.uk/ and creating visual aids and charts that help her to leavingschool. understand what’s happening. There’s also plenty of communication and an ‘open door’ approach if we Exam access arrangements ever have concerns. Is your child taking exams this spring and summer? Read how exam Eva now has a wonderful communication support access arrangements can help deaf worker and attends nursery five mornings a week. Her learners access exams fairly at speech and sign language are improving dramatically, www.ndcs.org.uk/exams. and she has absolutely thrived in the environment.
I’d most certainly recommend meeting the staff and viewing the setting in action. I wouldn’t be put off if somewhere has no experience of a deaf child so long as they were willing to adapt, understand the child’s needs and equipment and engage with support workers and local deaf services. Kind, attentive staff will always meet these needs and offer reassurance and support when your child needs it.
www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 29 Radio aid
Radio aids allow clear communication from the transmitter, worn by the teacher or parent, to receivers worn by the child. Here we shed light on some common myths surrounding radio aids…
Myth: Radio aids don’t Myth: Radio aids only work help in noisy places for deaf children who use hearing aids or implants Hearing aids and cochlear implants help a deaf child to hear Radio aids will work with speech in quiet environments but a lot every hearing aid or implant currently of speech occurs in noisier places. This supplied to deaf children by the NHS, is when a radio aid can help by making but there are also radio aid receivers the sounds you need to hear, such as made for children who have a mild to a teacher’s voice, clearer in relation moderate hearing loss and who don’t to unwanted background noises – have hearing aids or implants. These making it easier for your child to hear receivers may also benefit a child with what’s being said. temporary or unilateral hearing loss (deafness in one ear). These children may not be provided with hearing aids, Myth: Radio aids are but in noisy conditions (for example only used in education a classroom or restaurant) a radio aid could help them hear others better Radio aids are widely used and remain included in classes and in schools and colleges to help deaf conversations. children hear their teachers and other students better. However they can also be helpful when used at home, out Myth: Pre-school children are and about, when travelling in the car, in too young for radio aids the workplace or in any noisy place. Radio aids are usually provided by your local authority through your child’s Teacher of the Deaf (ToD). In many areas they are now being fitted to very young children, under a year old, to help with their development of language and communication skills.
30 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk TECHNOLOGY
Latest radio aid for use in education
In May 2016 Phonak launched a new radio aid transmitter for use in education. It looks like a mobile phone, has a touch screen and was designed to be easy to use. It has three built-in microphones which operate automatically according to how the transmitter is used. Held vertically it works as a normal radio aid microphone. Held horizontally it will become a directional microphone which you can point towards someone who is speaking and if placed on Myth: Radio aid receivers a surface it automatically changes to a conference have to attach to hearing microphone – picking up sound from aids or implants all around.
There are many different types of receiver available and “Our daughter has coped really “I’ve recently trialled the currently the most popular ones well with her hearing aids but Touchscreen Mic are small devices which attach to before she started reception we with a pupil in your child’s hearing aids or implants. were concerned about how she’d a busy primary However you can get receivers cope with classroom noise and class. She’s happy which you wear around the neck, more concentrated learning. We to use it within which are built into your child’s borrowed a Touchscreen Mic class and group hearing aid or implants, or body- system from the National Deaf situations and our worn units which your child can Children’s Society and within two assessments have Elma wear on a belt or harness. hours of setting it up her teacher shown that she’s emailed us saying the difference in already benefiting from it, Lexi’s attention and participation in even after only a short time. Myth: Radio aids class was amazing. The class teacher had no previous aren’t designed for deaf We use the radio aid at school, experience of using radio aids but young people home and out and about. It’s made found it straightforward to use and such a difference to Lexi’s life. It easy to operate. She said the pupil is The latest radio aids helps her hear the TV, as you can lay now starting to make progress with have been designed to look more it flat and it picks up surrounding her ability to hear individual sounds attractive to deaf young people. sound, and this also helps her hear and blend them together to make These are a good option for your her classmates when working in a a word, and to hear a word and child when they move into further group. In shops, where the acoustics separate it into individual sounds. or higher education, or training. are bad, she can now hear our voices We’re aware the Roger Touchscreen They’re also ideal for use in the above the other noise. has much more to offer and hope to workplace – allowing your child to Lexi loves her radio aid and can’t use it as a group microphone once communicate with work colleagues believe how much she can now hear. the pupil and teacher have more and use features like a conference The only downside is her hearing aid experience using it.” microphone to take part in work batteries drain faster than normal ––Elma, Teacher of the Deaf. meetings or group activities. due to the ear-level receivers. Lexi will now have a radio aid To find out more about radio We have all the latest radio provided for her, but if that � aids and how they might � aid systems available for wasn’t the case benefit your child, download you to borrow from our then we’d buy one our booklet How Radio Aids Technology Test Drive loan as we couldn’t Can Help from www.ndcs.org. service. For more information bear for her not to uk/radioaids. and user reviews on these have one.” Watch a video on how and other products, go ––Emma, mum to Gwen (3) uses her radio to www.ndcs.org.uk/ Lexi (4) who is aid at www.youtube.com/ technology or contact our severely deaf. Lexi and Emma ndcswebteam. Freephone Helpline.
www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 31 Would you or your child like to write a review for Families magazine? Email magazine@ Reviews ndcs.org.uk. Cath Smith Flashcards Dodger Dog Meets Shea Books and Co-Sign Communications, 2016 Written by Karen Gee, 2016 Available from Amazon illustrations by Kim Wymer products for (search ‘Let’s sign BSL’) Available from Amazon From £2.92 on Kindle £6.99 deaf children… Tell us what 0–4 5–10 11–14 15–18 19–25 0–4 5–10
you think! ® Cath Smith This book is BSL HOUSE & HOME has recently about a dog FLASHCARDS
cooker launched some called Dodger
bin mirror new flashcards, who dreams of covering various having a brother topics. I purchased or sister to play Hand moves in small r epeated forward movements like shaking a pan. Also means ‘ cook’. Flat hand held up near face L. hand mimes lifting lid,makes wnthen as R. repeated small twisting three of them on with. He then closed hand moves doen.movements from t ngers spring op he wrist.
British Sign Language (BSL) Resources Kindle: feelings and goes to visit a for all who sign emotions, house dog at a rescue and home and positive behaviour and centre who eventually goes home they’re amazing! Each set of flashcards with them. The new dog, Holly, is is in full colour, easy to understand and deaf and at first Dodger thinks she the design is suitable for old and young is ignoring him until he understands alike. There are various topics you how to communicate well with her, can choose from and I’ll definitely be and then they both have lots of fun buying more as my sons all love them. together. These are so useful with the My five-year-old enjoyed this children I work with and my family book. She said it was funny and she at home. Because of the format, liked the dogs. My two-year-old children love flicking through the was less interested, but he prefers colourful pictures on the iPad rather old favourites to new books at the than black and white pictures in a moment. It’s quite long and takes a book. while to get going but the excitement I would suggest the flashcards as a at the end is really sweet. great way of helping anyone who is It would be a nice book if you were learning British Sign Language (BSL) about to get a rescue dog or other as it can be done in bitesize chunks animal, or maybe to help the sibling/ and they are a great point of reference. friend of a child with hearing problems Each one comes with an explanation to understand how to communicate as to how important facial expressions better with them. I would consider are, and it gives you a fingerspelling getting other books in the series. Key chart too. ––Rebecca, mum to Bethan (5) � ––Kerry, mum and Noah (2), who both have mild- This resource could be to Reece (10), moderate hearing loss most suitable for the Matthew and glue ear. following ages/groups: (10) who has a profound 0–4 5–10 hearing loss and Bethan Joshua (7). 11–14 15–18 19–25 Matthew, and Noah Joshua and Reece
32 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk REVIEWS
Geemarc Amplidect 400 – cordless landline phone with Bluetooth connectivity Available from Action on Hearing Loss £83.00
5–10 11–14 15–18 19–25
We borrowed this phone because my son has difficulty speaking on the phone with family members who live overseas, so we decided to try it. There’s a very loud ringtone which allows my son to realise the phone is ringing. He can hear this phone properly by using his Phonak ComPilot (digital streamer), and he can also talk into the ComPilot Daisy and Ted’s Awesome Adventures and the person on the other end of Written and illustrated by Alex Naidoo the phone can hear him well. The National Deaf Children’s Society, 2016 speakerphone is clearer than on our www.ndcs.org.uk/awesomeadventures normal phone and could easily be used £6.99 without using the Bluetooth function. When you use an iPhone with the 0–4 5–10 Phonak ComPilot streamer you’re then able to answer the phone call by pressing Daisy and Ted’s Awesome Adventures is a button on the ComPilot, but with the an exciting story, aimed at four to From treasure hunting Amplidect 400 we couldn’t do this and seven year olds, that followswith pirates Daisy, to dancing with monsters at a roller disco, Daisy and Ted form a friendship that takes them across time and space and even sees them hanging instead needed to press the Bluetooth a deaf girl who wears outa with hearing dinosaurs. aid, Daisy shows Ted that her deafness is no barrier to adventure and they both learn that nothing button on the handset. The information on imaginative adventureslimits your imagination in this with tale of fun, friendship and awesome adventures. on making Bluetooth phone calls wasn’t new friend Ted. In this colourful tale easy to find in the instructions and I feel where nothing limits the imagination, there wasn’t enough information about they encounter pirates, wizards and it. Although this phone worked well we princes and travel through time. These Written and illustrated by © The National Deaf Children’s Society, 2016 Alex Naidoo Author and illustrator: Alex Naidoo think our mobile phone is better for adventuresDesigned by Miaare Tivey all brought to life by National Deaf Children’s Society ISBN 978-1-909706-13-2 Ground Floor South, Castle House 37–45 Paul Street, London EC2A 4LS The National Deaf Children’s Society is a registered Explore a world of mischief and fun connecting, answering and making calls vibrant andcharity in England colourful and Wales (1016532) and illustrations by in Scotland (SC040779). Company limited by where nothing limits your dreams JR0915 guarantee registered in England no. 2752456. £6.99 through my son’s ComPilot. However, the book’s author, Alex Naidoo. this phone would be a good product for JR0915 Daisy and Ted's Awesome Adventures COVER AW.indd 1-3 07/10/2016 15:27 people who regularly use a landline. ––Maria, mum to David (14), who has moderate hearing loss.
David
www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 33 Freephone 0808 800 8880 [email protected] www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat Helpline My 14-year-old son goes to mainstream secondary school and is the only deaf student. He has recently stopped always using his hearing aids. What can I do?
In this situation the first thing to ask would be why he son about the benefits of his hearing aids and the isn’t wearing his hearing aids. Is there a problem with the products he can use with them to help with day-to-day equipment, such as it causing discomfort, or is he worried things, such as using a mobile phone, could encourage him about coming across as different to other students? A good to use them again. idea to help you find out why your son might not want to use Outside of the family, speaking to your Teacher of his equipment is to note any particular situations or times the Deaf and your son’s school could help. Making when he isn’t using it and to talk to his audiologist if he’s sure there’s sufficient deaf awareness at school might having problems with it. improve his confidence and he should be involved in If your son’s worried about being different or singled out, how this is done so he feels empowered and in control. you could help by showing him deaf role models and peers Schools have a responsibility to promote the social and to prove he isn’t alone and that he can become confident in emotional development of deaf pupils. Have a look at his deaf identity. We have a number of deaf young people pages 97–102 of our Supporting the Achievement of Deaf who vlog for us (see www.youtube.com/ndcswebteam) Children in Secondary Schools booklet for more information. and also a section on role models in Families magazine (see This can be downloaded from www.ndcs.org.uk/ page 46 or www.ndcs.org.uk/magazine). Talking to your supportingachievement.
What do you think of i our information?
Bullying web pages ●● We added extra examples of These web pages explain what ways a deaf child can be bullied bullying is and look at why deaf to our ‘What is bullying?’ section. children can be more vulnerable The panel let us know that the to bullying and how they can be information was laid out in a clear protected from it. It also signposts and logical way. parents to our Bullying: Advice for parents of deaf children resource for ●● They suggested that the pages more information. be promoted via social media Our Parent Review Panel reviewed and our social media activity last Would you like to help us the web pages to help us improve our November (around the time of � improve our information information. Here is some of their Anti-Bullying Week) was focused resources? Join our Parent feedback and how it’s made the on bullying. Review Panel by signing up pages better: to NDCS Listens. ●● We made some changes to the www.ndcs.org.uk/ndcslistens language used.
34 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk RESOURCES
Making a complaint to your child’s school (England)
What type of information is it? Updated content on our website: www.ndcs.org.uk/schoolcomplaints. What’s
Who’s it for? Parents of school-age children in England.
What’s it about? How to make a complaint about your child’s education and how to take a complaint further if you’re not happy with the school’s response. new You might also like: The Equality Act and Your Deaf from us? Child’s Education in England, Scotland and Wales factsheet, downloadable from www.ndcs.org.uk/educationrights.
Quality Standards: Early years support for children with a hearing loss, SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES aged 0 to 5 (England) � WITH OTHERS As a parent of a deaf child What type of information is it? An information Quality Standards: you’ve had lots of experiences guide (online only) and a self-audit tool (in Word, so Early years support for children with a hearing which could really help others. easy to fill in) – both are available to download from loss, aged 0 to 5 (England) Promoting easier listening for deaf children There are so many ways that www.ndcs.org.uk/qsey. you can share your knowledge and support both us and other Who’s it for? Commissioners of early years families. We're really keen to services for deaf children (for example education, hear from families with health, speech and language therapy, social care children of all ages but and other family support services). particularly those with older children and teenagers. Find Created in collaboration with the What’s it about? It sets out how health, education UK Children’s FM Working Group out how to take part at and care providers in England should work together www.ndcs.org.uk/ndcslistens. to support deaf children to achieve key outcomes before they start school. Commissioners can read about the quality standards in the guide and then review their services using the self-audit tool. These standards have been drafted If you’ve registered on our to reflect the different legal and policy frameworks in place � website www.ndcs.org.uk in England. However, they reflect good practice in early years you can order or download support for deaf children and may still be of interest to publications: click Family parents and professionals in other parts of the UK. Support and then Order and view our publications. Or You might also like: Our information guide on the practical contact our Freephone Helpline steps you can take to support the achievement of deaf on 0808 800 8880 (voice and children in early years settings. This can be found at text) or email helpline www.ndcs.org.uk/supportingachievement. @ndcs.org.uk. www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 35 Local groups In your area A web of support Members of Surrey Deaf LOCAL GROUPS bring families of deaf children together Children’s Society share how and give parents the opportunity to talk about their they have used social media to experiences and share advice. In addition to providing a support each other when they space for families to network during events, local groups are increasingly encouraging their members to make use need it most. of Facebook and other forms of social media as a means of supporting one another. Three members from Surrey Deaf Children’s Society (SDCS) talk about how they reached out and found support through the SDCS Facebook page in their time of need.
My 13-year-old daughter who wears hearing aids, is really struggling at school. After an emotional chat I found out she’s been accepting detentions as she finds it easier to do this than to try to explain to teachers that she’s having trouble understanding the homework that is set. I’m feeling a bit helpless and would love some advice. – Helen
Chloe is the eldest of our four children. She has a bilateral hearing loss which was diagnosed when she There are more than 100 was in reception. I came across the SDCS Facebook � local groups across the UK. page six months ago, after looking for some advice Local groups are affiliated to on how to improve Chloe’s situation at school and I the National Deaf Children’s was overwhelmed with the advice and support that Society but operate as I received. One of the members put me in touch with independent organisations, a new Teacher of the Deaf (ToD) in our area, which usually run by parents of deaf thankfully resulted in Chloe getting children. For more information the help she needed in a short space and to find your nearest local of time. She is now a lot happier and group visit www.ndcs.org. coping better at her secondary school uk/localgroups or email local. – something that I didn’t think would be [email protected]. possible just a few months ago.
If there isn’t a group in your The best part about being involved area but you’d like to connect in SDCS is the togetherness. We’re with other families with deaf like one big family. As a parent of deaf children contact local.groups children there are times when you can @ndcs.org.uk for advice on Chloe feel isolated, so having a network like how to get started. this can be a lifeline for families.
36 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk IN YOUR AREA
As a parent of deaf children there are times when you can feel isolated, so having a network like this can be a lifeline for families. A web of“ support
My daughter is due to start nursery in September. She’s My son Phoenix goes to a mainstream school. He did the first deaf child they’ve had so I’m looking for exceptionally well at key stage 1 but since starting Year resources I can pass on to them to make them more deaf 3 his confidence and self-assurance has plummeted. Today I aware. I’ve already given them a copy of the National Deaf had a meeting with the school and his Teacher of the Deaf Children’s Society’s resource on hearing aids, is there anything (ToD), who agreed on some actions to help. The school has else that you recommend? promised to look into holding some pre-lessons and the ToD – Hayley said that she will run a workshop with his classmates to remind them how to communicate with him. I’m feeling My husband Dan and I have three children – Laura, totally deflated. At least they’re doing something to help but Joshua and Maisie. Maisie has a severe bilateral I’m not sure if this will solve all the issues. Any thoughts and sensorineural hearing loss. We joined SDCS in 2014. advice welcome. When we first found out about Maisie’s hearing loss – Vikkie we had so many questions. I also felt it was important for the whole family to learn, accept and embrace Paul and I have two children: her disability. Phoenix (7) and Braxton (5). Phoenix is severely deaf The best part about being involved in SDCS is being in high frequencies and has able to talk to people who understand what you’re worn hearing aids since birth. going through. Although their journey might be I came across SDCS about slightly different to yours the advice and support that three-and-a-half years ago you can receive from other families with deaf children and words can’t describe how is invaluable. great it was to finally have other people to speak to who Because of where we live we are sometimes unable understand what we’re going to attend SDCS events so being part of the Facebook through. The friendships that group has been extremely beneficial. If it hadn’t been Phoenix and I have made since for the group I wouldn’t have found out about some have changed our lives. of the other amazing local charities and networks that Vikkie, Paul, Braxton my family can access. For and Phoenix Unfortunately we’re still example when I asked for fighting to get additional some advice about how support for my boy. All the to make Maisie’s nursery input and advice that I’ve more deaf aware I was put received has been priceless and will aid me in my in touch with Karen from fight for an Education, Health and Care plan for my Chloe’s and Sophie’s Special son. In addition to education, all sorts of other issues Ears Fund, which is a local are discussed on the group, often things I hadn’t charity that focuses on even thought of before. It’s great to be part of these making nurseries, schools discussions and they will undoubtedly help when we and children’s clubs deaf- come to reach those milestones. friendly. Karen had plenty of Maisie advice for me!
www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 37 Roadshow In your Making soundwaves area …the very first day he said to me ‘same’, meaning everyone was the same as him. On a recent tour of Scotland, in Golspie our Roadshow team took part in an amazing deaf awareness REGGIE WAS BORN DEAF event to support Reggie (9). and wears cochlear implants. As the only deaf young person in the village “ of Golspie in the Scottish Highlands, Reggie could sometimes feel very isolated. Golspie resident James (Jimmy) Yuill, TV actor, is founder of a newly established charity. Silver Rock Foundation aims to provide young people with funding and experiences to develop self-confidence and creativity in the arts, music and sport. He was keen for the foundation to do something to increase Reggie’s confidence. On speaking to Reggie’s Teacher of the Deaf, Judy, Reggie’s love of music became the idea behind a week-long creative event called Soundwaves. Fifteen deaf children and thirteen of their hearing siblings spent the week in Golspie where Danny Lane, Chief Executive Officer of charity Music and the Deaf, who is profoundly deaf himself, held music workshops. Our Roadshow team were so excited to also get involved and we ran workshops for the children on technology and emotional health To find out more about our and wellbeing, plus deaf � Roadshow and how to book awareness sessions for a visit for your school or all the local shopkeepers community event please and families. contact our Freephone Helpline on helpline@ndcs. org.uk or go to www.ndcs. org.uk/roadshow for more information.
38 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk IN YOUR AREA
Making soundwaves in Golspie
Mum Jacqui says that Reggie made new friends at the event. “Reggie doesn’t come out with words …thanks a million for very often but the very first day he said your efforts – haste ye to me ‘same’, meaning everyone was the same as him. It was fantastic and back (come back soon). I’ve never seen him sign as much as he has since the event. It’s really boosted Thank you so much for putting this week on for the children. My son his confidence.” really enjoyed himself and it’s given him a huge confidence boost. He feels Judy says: “My vision was realised proud to have the friends he has met and the children have been able to in that deaf and hearing children were enjoy mixing with each other – whatever their ages! As parents we really working together with no barrier appreciate all the hard work and time that every member of staff and between them.” “leader has put in to teach our children new things, help them enjoy learning We really enjoyed being part of the sign language and provide an exciting, special experience for them all. event, seeing the deaf young people Because this wasn’t just a fleeting visit, the children got to really make making new friends and learning about friends and get to know each other a little better – as did the parents. lots of technology that can help them My son felt like he was part of something very special this week and, become more independent. speaking to other parents, so did the other children so thank you all so much It was a fantastic opportunity for us for your incredible work, the children loved every minute. to reach out to young people in quite ––Parent remote areas who don’t have many opportunities to meet other deaf Thank you so much to young people and find out about all the all concerned with the services and technology available to Roadshow for your them. We were very impressed by how recent visit to Golspie. the community worked together to put Soundwaves, a week of on an amazing week of fun activities for workshops, which was two the young people and a special thanks to years in the preparation, Jimmy Yuill who made it all possible. was enhanced no end with the visit of your fantastic vehicle. The whole community benefited immensely – from the youngsters themselves to the shopkeepers and the general public. So to all the team – thanks a million for your efforts – haste ye back (come back soon). ––Silver Rock Foundation
www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 39 It really was one of the Events best five-day periods of my life. Every moment I spent In there was amazing. Weekend programme for 8–18 year olds At our weekend events young people get involved in many your sports and creative and outdoor activities. Events are age- “ specific and targeted at a broad range of young people, with the chance to learn new skills and make new friends while area having lots of fun. ●● First Time Away Weekend, 6–7 May Derbyshire, England (age 8–12)
We have lots of fantastic free ●● Get Creative Weekend, 12–14 May events coming up and here’s a Wolverhampton, England (age 11–15 and 16–18) taster of just a few. ●● First Time Away Weekend, 20–21 May Mold, Wales (age 8–12) We hold free events all over � the UK for deaf children, young ●● First Time Away Weekend, 27–28 May people and their families. Perthshire, Scotland (age 8–12) Download our events calendar from www.ndcs.org.uk/events. ●● First Time Away Weekend, 24–26 June Norwich, England (age 8–12) What’s on? Summer residential events for 8–18 year olds At our summer residential events young people can take part in age-appropriate activities including outdoor sports, arts and crafts and other fun-filled things to do. Many of the summer programmes have nationally recognised awards for young people to achieve. INTERESTED IN � ONE OF OUR EVENTS? ●● Mission Adventure, 31 July–4 August Blairvadach, Scotland (age 8–14) We have an applications process for all our events ●● Mission Extreme, 31 July–4 August for deaf children and young Blairvadach, Scotland (age 15–18) people, so it’s best to send your forms in as soon as you can. ●● Multi-Activity Week (age 8–15) We’ll then get in touch to talk it and 16+ Transition (age 16–18), 14–18 August over, before letting you know Southampton, England if your child has a place about eight weeks before the event. ●● Multi-Activity Week (age 8–15) and Go to www.ndcs.org.uk/ 16+ Transition (age 16–18), 29 August–2 September events for more information on Wirral, England the process, specific deadlines (typically 11 weeks before We have more summer residential events to be the event) and to download confirmed, so keep an eye on www.ndcs.org.uk/events application forms. for the latest information.
40 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk IN YOUR AREA A week of adventure and friendship Cameron (16) joined up to our Explore the Outdoors* event last summer. He tells us what it was like meeting other deaf young people for the first time and why being on the event was Early Years: Newly Diagnosed Information Days (0–2 years) the best five days of his life! Aimed at families who haven’t I signed up to the event because I’ve always been quite an attended one of our events before, outdoorsy person – I love going outside and being active. these two-day events are an I’d also met very few hearing impaired children before and opportunity to find out more about I thought it would be an amazing opportunity. I’d deafness, communication and learning never been really confident when it came to my through play and reading. They will hearing and I figured that it might help me with this be led by our experienced staff, and problem. specialists will join us to share their As soon as we arrived we met the other children knowledge and understanding. and staff and then got ready for a beach walk. The beach was beautiful. The sun glinted off the water ●● 14 May and you could hear and smell the sea. London, England Every day we had breakfast together, got ready for the day’s events and off we set. Towards the ●● 20 May end of the week we were separated into teams to Wolverhampton, England Cameron create dams. I ended up taking charge of my group and with everyone’s help we built three dams that we Starting School – Education rights hoped would hold. and responsibilities We also did kayaking and completed lots of water This information day is ideal if you activities and sports and it helped the group to become have a deaf child aged two to four closer. I’d never done kayaking before and I loved it. I also years and want to find out more about learnt a lot of sign. When I arrived on the event I could how to support your child at school, barely fingerspell. When I left I’d learnt lots of signs and how to enforce your rights and to could hold a decent conversation. share tips and experiences with other The staff were all truly amazing people. Without them families with deaf children. the event would never have happened and I’d love to say thank you to everyone again if I ever get the chance. ●● 6 May I was genuinely sad when the event ended. It really was Leeds, England one of the best five day periods of my life. Every moment I spent there was amazing. It was weird at first seeing other ●● 20 May children with hearing aids but it was a pleasant sight. I met Cambridge, England new people, some of whom I’m still in contact with, and I’ve made many memories that I’m able to happily share with everyone else. If I ever get the opportunity to do it National Deaf Youth again, I wouldn’t hesitate to sign up. Football Tournament Our 10th National Deaf Youth Football Tournament is about This year’s Explore the Outdoors event will raising awareness of deaf football, � take place in Norfolk from 21–25 August. It’s celebrating junior deaf football clubs aimed at 14–17 year olds and everyone who and having fun. There will be one takes part will have the chance to work towards tournament this year in Northampton the Bronze John Muir Award, an environmental for teams across the UK. Please keep award scheme focused on wild places. Our event an eye on our website for more details. is all about discovery, conservation and sharing learning experiences. Young people may take ●● 26 March part in activities including a nature hike, coastal Northampton, England conservation, bushcraft and climbing. *The Explore the Outdoors event was To find out more go to funded by the National Lottery through � www.ndcs.org.uk/events. the Big Lottery Fund.
www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 41 Get Registered Charity No. 1124523 involved Specialist education and care tailored to every individual
Day and residential School and College for Deaf students aged 4-24 • Bi-lingual learning environment • In-house therapies team • Delivering confidence and independence
“At the Academy his life changed from black and white to glorious technicolour” a parent
For more information or to book a bespoke visit contact: Admissions Administrator, 50 Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4NF 01392 267029 Text: 07624 808738 [email protected] exeterdeafacademy.ac.uk GET INVOLVED Get involved
We must all do whatever we can. Join our“ Campaigns Network to protect services for deaf children. CAROLINE AND ANTHONY What kind of campaigning Why should other people are members of our Campaigns tactics have you used? sign up to the network? Network and are also parents to three We responded to the council’s It’s up to parents to stand up and fight children, Emily, Jack and Thomas. consultation and also wrote a letter to for their children. We can’t allow our Thomas (1) is profoundly deaf. He the council outlining how our whole deaf children to be disadvantaged also has a very rare condition called family relies on the service. We also either now or in the future as cuts will CHARGE syndrome which means wrote to my local MP about the cuts affect children perpetually. We must he has additional needs. We spoke and asked him to reject them on our all do whatever we can. to Caroline and Anthony about behalf. He has also written to the why being a part of the Campaigns council and will be supporting us. Our Campaigns Network Network is important to them. Having your local MP on board really is made up of around 7,000 does make a difference. We’ve also people who are passionate written to the Prime Minister’s office about campaigning to protect Why did you join the to make them aware of the council’s valuable services for deaf Campaigns Network? plans and to ask for help. children and young people. The We need to defend the services that We’re prepared to go to any network is open to anyone and are so vital to Thomas, our family and length to fight these cuts and will do is completely free to join. Our other deaf children. Thomas can’t tell absolutely everything in our power to Campaigns Network members people himself how much he needs, make sure Thomas’s voice is heard. If take action at local and national enjoys or how much he gets from the it means chaining myself to the council levels to make sure services for service so it’s up to us to be his voice buildings to get them to listen to us deaf children are defended. and make sure it’s heard. then so be it.
Join the Campaigns Network What are you currently What do you get from us? � today to be the first to find campaigning on? It‘s great that we can contact the out about campaign actions We found out Manchester City National Deaf Children’s Society in your area and to receive Council was planning to cut the directly for advice or to answer any regular updates from the sensory support service for deaf questions we have. They travelled team. www.ndcs.org.uk/ children so, given how much we over to Manchester to meet with us campaignsnetwork rely on this service, we couldn’t and to gather feedback on how the Find out more about our stand by and let them do this cuts would affect us. current campaigns at without a fight. We’re campaigning www.ndcs.org.uk/campaigns. to keep the services we get from our family support worker and Teacher Find out who your local MP is of the Deaf. here: www.theyworkforyou. com/mp. Anthony, Caroline Read Isaac’s story of CHARGE and Thomas syndrome at www.ndcs.org. uk/isaac.
www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 43 Get involved Easter fundraising fun This Easter there are many ways you can raise money and have fun, so why not try your hand at some of these cracking fundraising ideas.
Get sponsored to swim Get sponsored to give with Ready Steady Swim something up for Lent Feeling active? Make a splash this This Lent join us in giving spring and sign up for Ready Steady something up to help Swim. With a variety of distances this improve the lives is one for all the family to enjoy: of deaf children across the UK. ●● bronze (100m) So whether it’s ●● silver (500m) chocolate, cake ●● gold (1,000m) or wine, you can use ●● platinum one mile (1,609m). your abstinence to raise some money for us and do something You can take part as an individual, as a incredible this Easter. member of a team or with your school. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and by raising sponsorship money Ask friends to make a you’ll be supporting deaf children at donation to come to the same time. As a group you could your Easter egg hunt tackle the equivalent of swimming the Hosting an Easter egg London Marathon route – 26.2 miles hunt is an easy way to (42km) or the length of the Panama entertain the kids and Canal – 48 miles (77km)! raise money for a good Visit www.ndcs.org.uk/swim cause and organising for more information. one couldn’t be easier. Invite friends and family members to donate some Hold a Big Cake Bake and little chocolate eggs and hide raise money by selling cakes them around your house or garden. Why not host an Easter themed If you have both younger and older Big Cake Bake this spring? With children at your Easter egg hunt you cornflake bird nests and creme can divide the area based on age and egg brownies you’re on to a colour code the eggs. Go easy on the winner. It can be as big or as smaller children by leaving eggs on small as you like and whether low branches and in open places, it’s at home, at your local club or but make it more difficult for the at work it’s all about having fun with older ones. friends, family and colleagues. Visit www.ndcs.org.uk/ bigcakebake for more details on how to organise a Big Cake Bake.
44 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk GET INVOLVED
…with cornflake bird nests and creme egg brownies Have a sponsored you’re on to Fingerspellathon a winner. Not yet tried your hands “ at fingerspelling? Why not organise Hold an egg decorating an Easter inspired competition Fingerspellathon and This is a cracking way to get creative see how many words and raise some funds for deaf children relating to Easter you and their families. can fingerspell? Charge each Egg-cellent! participant a small fee to enter their egg and, whether Organise a pub quiz it’s made from The trusty quiz is a great way to drum papier mâché up support and have fun while you’re or chocolate, ask at it. Whether you organise your own everyone to vote for or see if your local the ‘best dressed egg’. Don’t forget to will do the honour provide a prize for the winner. of donating one week’s entry fees from their regular Hold an Easter party – and ask quiz to us, it’s a friends to make a donation brilliant way to get Who can resist lunch with the Easter people together. bunny? This Easter bring joy into the hearts of children all around Raise money from you and organise a bric-a-brac sale a lunch with the Organising events or training for Easter bunny – this sporting challenges isn’t for could be a picnic everyone but bric-a-brac sales lunch or something are a quick and easy way to raise more formal – the addition funds hassle-free. If you’re in of your special guest will have the kids need of a spring clean or feeling entertained for hours. bogged down and cluttered up why not pop along to your local car boot sale and sell on your pre- loved items to a happy new home?
For more information on any of � these fundraising ideas please email ndcschallenges @ndcs.org.uk.
www.ndcs.org.uk/livechat | Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 45 Do you ever wonder what your When I’m a deaf child will do when they grow up?
For residential and day pupils aged 3 - 19 years
grown-upDeaf people share their experiences of the world of work, "Staff have very high expectations of what every pupil can achieve and including how their employers and colleagues adapt to their needs. this message is at heart of the school’s ethos. As a result, pupils in all groups make good progress academically, socially and emotionally." I work for Welsh Assembly. They then deal received a UK coaching certificate the police with accident hot spots by fixing and now run a karate club for Ofsted, 2015 because... holes in the road or setting up new people with disabilities. I’m a I like meeting traffic signals. We help to make former national and international deadlines and roads safer and save lives. fighter, representing Wales twice find the job very I’m profoundly deaf and I’ve in the European championships, satisfying. I’m a never had issues as I speak and and was an Olympic torch bearer road traffic collision lip-read really well. I also teach deaf in 2012. My next ambition is statistician and have been working awareness to new police officers so to achieve a personal trainer for the police for 27 years. I collect they know how to help deaf people. qualification. data on all collisions in the Dyfed- In my spare time I’m a 4th Dan ––Susy Soravia Powys area and send figures to the (rank) karate instructor. I recently
I’m a computer systems administrator I’m a training provider because… and electronic engineer because… I’m passionate about educating society I love working with clever scientists and bright students. on the barriers and frustrations faced I’m now semi-retired but I was a member of the Liverpool by people with disabilities. I devise and Telescope project, a fully robotic telescope on the Canary deliver equality, diversity and disability Island of La Palma, which is free for UK schoolchildren awareness training to businesses and to use. It’s controlled by software which monitors the organisations. weather, opens and closes the dome, controls telescope Spurred on by a desire to help others I originally trained movement and takes images with attached cameras. I as an audiologist. I faced negative attitudes from medical installed the computer systems and kept them working. I professionals but after three long years and through sheer also maintained the phone system, the internet connection determination and my lip-reading skills, I became the and the telescope electronics. first deaf audiologist in England. Later I became a trainer/ I was fortunate to spend time working abroad and in my consultant working with businesses, organisations, schools time off I toured the island. I’m profoundly deaf and most and colleges and finally achieved my dream of running my "My daughter is so much happier since she "Don’t worry about your people bend over backwards to help when they realise I own business. came to St John’s. She has achieved more than shyness – you will gain have a hearing impairment. The right attitude I’m profoundly deaf with acute tinnitus. The only special helps – a smile goes a long way, and I learnt equipment I use for my work is my trusty old minicom for I thought possible. She has become the person confidence and achieve." some Spanish and German. People Text Relay calls. she was meant to be." Parent Pupil appreciate it if you learn a few words of I’m self-employed and also run my own holiday cottage their language. They say travel broadens business, making sure guests have an enjoyable and the mind, and it’s true. memorable experience exploring the Lincolnshire Wolds! ––Mike Tomlinson My current dream is to write a book and to run a property For more information or to arrange a visit please contact: telescope.livjm.ac.uk development and interior design business. Mandy Dowson, Parental Support Manager, St John’s School for the Deaf, www.schoolsobservatory.org.uk ––Alison Lewis Church Street, Boston Spa, West Yorkshire, LS23 6DF What does your child want to be when they grow T: 01937 842144 F: 01937 541471 E: [email protected] W: www.stjohns.org.uk � up? For more information on careers, check out our web pages about options after leaving school at www.ndcs.org.uk/leavingschool. Where every voice is heard and celebrated 46 National Deaf Children’s Society Families | Spring 2017 Freephone Helpline 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) | www.ndcs.org.uk
St John's_A4_NDCS Advert_07.01.2017.indd 1 07/01/2017 14:12 For residential and day pupils aged 3 - 19 years
"Staff have very high expectations of what every pupil can achieve and this message is at heart of the school’s ethos. As a result, pupils in all groups make good progress academically, socially and emotionally." Ofsted, 2015
"My daughter is so much happier since she "Don’t worry about your came to St John’s. She has achieved more than shyness – you will gain I thought possible. She has become the person confidence and achieve." she was meant to be." Parent Pupil
For more information or to arrange a visit please contact: Mandy Dowson, Parental Support Manager, St John’s School for the Deaf, Church Street, Boston Spa, West Yorkshire, LS23 6DF T: 01937 842144 F: 01937 541471 E: [email protected] W: www.stjohns.org.uk
Where every voice is heard and celebrated
St John's_A4_NDCS Advert_07.01.2017.indd 1 07/01/2017 14:12 Mary Hare THEATRE 305 x 218:Layout 1 5/1/17 22:36 Page 1 After more than 70 years we have never lost sight of...
...the importance of using one's voice. OPEN DAY 1st May 2017 For over 70 years Mary Hare has continued to develop ground breaking programmes using the latest technology to ensure the highest possible To book your place please visit standards of educating deaf children. maryhareschool.org.uk/events
For more information or to arrange an individual visit, please contact Debbie Benson: ([email protected] or 01635 244215) or visit our website www.maryhareschool.org.uk