Sensory Needs
We try to ensure that we understand each of our learners sensory difficulties and strive to find ways that they can develop their senses to play and learn to the best of their ability.
Learners in the main school may have a range of sensory needs and impairments.
Visual Impairments
Learners with VI have access to our own in-house Qualified Teacher for the Visually Impaired (QTVI).
We are very fortunate to be able to address learners specific vision requirements with our QTVI being able to assess and then offer advice on strategies to support the learners indivdual needs.
The QTVI is also able to train staff and parents to support their child’s VI needs.
Learners with VI may benefit from support to access learning using their senses, as well technology to support their vision - depending on the nature of their impairment.
Learners with VI will also benefit from mobility training, including use of a cane, to help them to develop their independenace and work towards enabling them to move around familiar environments safely, both inside and outside of school.
Hearing Impairments
Learners with Hearing Impairments - HI - have access to the Teacher for HI from the local authority team.
The HI Teacher regulalry visits school to offer advice and strategies to staff to support learners with HI. Learners with HI benefit from a sound system in school that works in conjuntion with hearing aids, to amplify and improve what the learner can hear - dependent of course on individual need.
Newfield uses Makaton signing to support learners with HI to understand and be part of the world around them.
Sensory Exploration
Many of the learners in the main school are at an early stage of developong their senses and learning how to use them effectively.
Much of the learning that takes place for these children is based around a sensory approach which encourages and facilitates them using their senses.
Using sight, sound, touch, taste and smell these learners develop an understanding of their world and begin to be able to show preferences.
