School age deafblind children may be educated at a variety of facilities:
- in a specialist resourced classroom/school
- with pupils with other disabilities
- in mainstream schools
- in a combination of settings
- at home
As parents, you should be fully involved in choosing the type of education provision, and in choosing a particular school for your child.
Children who are multi-sensory-impaired may receive support from teachers specialising in multi-sensory impairment and/or hearing or visual impairment, intervenors who are trained to work one-to-one with deafblind children or other learning support assistants. They may also be supported by physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, mobility specialists and/or nursing staff. It is vital that parents and professionals work together to meet your child's needs.
Most deafblind children will have a statement of special educational needs (SEN) which details the provision and resources required to meet their needs. The statement will be reviewed at least annually. Find out more about SEN statements.
More information is available on our curriculum and teaching strategies pages.
Help outside school
Deafblind children are also entitled to help outside school in order to be included in normal community activities. This entitlement comes from Department of Health guidance known as section 7 guidance.
Transition
In year 9 (age 14) a transition plan must be developed for the child. This is designed to ensure that appropriate post-school provision is arranged, and that the transfer to adult service provision goes smoothly. Transition planning should be multi-agency, involving social and health services and the Connexions service (opens a new window). The plan is reviewed and developed each year at the child's annual review. The student and his or her family should be fully involved in the process.
Further information
