The Dudley Deaf and Hearing Support Team is a specialist service supporting D/deaf and hard of hearing children and young people across the Dudley borough from the point of diagnosis, throughout their early years, school years, and (on a traded basis) post‑16.
Our work is delivered by Qualified Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People (QToD) and specialist teaching assistants experienced in supporting children with all levels of hearing loss, in line with national guidance and professional standards promoted by BATOD.
We collaborate closely with families, early years settings, schools, audiology teams, Birmingham Midlands Hearing Implant Programme, Queen Elizabeth II Adult Audiology Services, and wider agencies to ensure children can access learning, develop communication, and participate fully in their communities.
Who We Support
We provide support/advice for children and young people (0–25) with:
- Permanent hearing loss (mild to profound)
- Unilateral hearing loss
- Temporary or fluctuating hearing loss (e.g., glue ear)
- Complex needs alongside hearing loss
Our terminology and approach follow the NDCS definition of “deaf,” which includes all types of hearing loss from mild to profound, including temporary losses such as glue ear.
How We Allocate Support
We use the NatSIP Eligibility Framework to determine the level of support each child receives. The framework provides a fair and consistent method for allocating support based on:
- Degree and type of hearing loss
- Functional impact
- Use and management of equipment
- Communication development
- Additional needs
- Educational access
This structured approach, widely used across the UK, ensures children receive the appropriate level of intervention while maintaining equity and transparency.
Our Professional Standards
The team works in line with:
- NDCS guidance on supporting deaf children and families, including resources on diagnosis, communication, teaching approaches and listening environments
- BATOD professional standards and expectations for QToD, ensuring high‑quality practice and ongoing CPD
- NatSIP frameworks for eligibility, resource allocation and consistency of provision across sensory services nationwide
Support for Families and Community Connections
We encourage families to access:
- NDCS information, parent support and rights guidance
- Dudley Deaf Children’s Society (DDCS) for local family events, peer support and community activities
- Local Dudley SENDIASS and the Dudley Local Offer for wider SEND support across education, health and social care services
How Children and Young People Are Referred
Referrals may come from:
- Audiology or health professionals
- Early years settings, school or colleges
- Parents or carers
- Other professionals working with the child
A confirmed diagnosis of hearing loss is required for support, following the approach used in other sensory services using NatSIP criteria.
Contact Us
- CIPS@dudley.gov.uk
- Tel: 01384 816974
Resources
- Ready! On Body Signing is a communication system for learners with complex and/or multi sensory impairment.