Hearing Impaired Resource Base (HIRB)

Our Vision

Our vision for the HIRB at WASPS is for an inclusive, engaging and exciting learning experience, which puts our pupils at the heart of what we do. Our aims are to ensure our HIRB pupils have access to mainstream school life, whilst taking a highly-individualised approach within this; and to meet the specific needs of every child. We pride ourselves on our sense of community and cohesion in the HIRB and across the wider school, believing that a sense of spiritual belief and faith can support us.

For each child in the HIRB, we focus on ensuring pupils’ access to their classes; working within the national curriculum and participating in the range of opportunities across the wider school amongst their peers. We use classroom observation, technology and assign 1:1 support where needed, to enhance in-class provision, as well as works closely with classroom teachers to ensure progress is monitored and maximised.

Based on the child’s EHCP, observation, specialised assessment, input from stakeholders and the expertise of the Teacher of the Deaf, we also map the child’s learning needs, identify intended outcomes, as well as assess and close any gaps in learning. To do so, we embed deaf-specific and evidence-based practice to support the child’s development, often in the form of 1:1 intervention, small group sessions or in class support, using approaches such as visual phonics. We monitor and track the impact through pre/post assessment, learning support plans or specialised assessments, to ensure optimum progress. Pupil voice is carried out termly, to find ways to make sessions relevant and exciting for each child and we run an independence program, to root ourselves in the wider school ethos of “Nurturing Spirituality, Creativity and Excellence”.

School life and wider community

We strive to ensure that our deaf pupils in the HIRB are included in all aspects of the school life and we pride ourselves on our deaf-aware school culture. All staff receive training on deaf awareness and how to use relevant technology, as well as the needs of our deaf learners.

Wider school events incorporate a deaf-friendly approach, using sign supported English in events such as the nativity. All pupils feel a part of school life, attending extra-curricular clubs or are involved in the mainstream trips and school events. We also run deaf-specific events and trips, including a recent Deaf Awareness Assembly and a trip to Yate Deaf Athletics competition.

Children in the HIRB have access to a wider school deaf community. The children receive a social skills and deaf identity curriculum as a group, to develop their sense of their own identity, independence and advocacy skills. Children have access to deaf role models and events across the year, for example through tennis coaching and trips. We develop self-esteem, celebrating their achievements through a rewards program.