STARS - Sensory Teaching Advisory and Resource Service
STARS Sensory Support Service, known as STARS, is funded by the council to provide hearing and/or vision support for learners (0 -25 years). The STARS team have qualified teachers who are specially trained in supporting learners with hearing and/or vision loss.
Hearing Support
Sometimes referred to as a ‘hearing loss,’ ‘hearing impairment’ or ‘deafness’ -however the learner prefers to describe their hearing levels, STARS aim to ensure all learners reach their academic potential, and are active members of society.
Early identification of need and effective early intervention provide leaners with the best opportunity to reach their full potential. STARS staff help learners, their families, and adults who work with the learner to understand hearing levels and how they may affect the learner’s day to day life; at home, at school and in the community. A learner on the STARS caseload may receive support in a variety of ways, according to their need including; assessment of access needs, relevant information, advice, guidance and training for families and educational settings, interventions for management of hearing devices and Radio Aid systems, language acquisition, developing listening skills, developing language skills, audiological skills and knowledge, development of Theory of Mind (ToM), and additional support through key stages of transition.
Vision Support
Sometimes referred to a ‘visual impairment,’ of ‘visually impaired’ – however the learner prefers to describe their levels of vision, STARS aim to ensure all learners reach their academic potential and are active members of society.
Early identification of need and effective early intervention provide leaners with the best opportunity to reach their full potential. STARS staff help learners, their families, and adults who work with the learner to understand levels of vision and how they may affect the learner’s day to day life; at home, at school and in the community. A learner on the STARS caseload may receive support in a variety of ways, according to their need including; assessment of access needs, relevant information, advice, guidance and training for families and educational settings, intervention for habilitation, mobility or technology support and additional support through key stages of transition.
Support when Hearing and Vision Levels are Both Affected
Sometimes referred to as ‘Multi-Sensory Impairment,’ (MSI) or ‘Dual Sensory Loss’ – however the learner prefers to describe their levels of hearing and vision, STARS aim to ensure all learners reach their academic potential and are active members of society.
Early identification of need and effective early intervention provide leaners with the best opportunity to reach their full potential. STARS staff help learners, their families, and adults who work with the learner to understand levels of hearing and vision and when combined, how they may affect the learner’s day to day life, at home, at school and in the community. A learner on the STARS caseload may receive support in a variety of ways, according to their need as detailed for hearing and vision support sections above. Additionally, STARS staff are able to work with colleagues in Social Care to organise the necessary, specialist assessment - according to the Care and Support for Deafblind Children and Adults Policy Guidance (2014) (issued under section 7 of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 in relation to children).
The team also run a number of groups for children and young people to take part in;
- Mini STARS
- All STARS
- Super STARS
- Tiny STARS at Playbox
Who to contact
- Contact Name
- Ruth Crosby-Stewart
- Contact Position
- Head of Service
- Telephone
- 01642 354354 01642 354354
- admin_STARS@middlesbrough.gov.uk
- Notes
Text: 07825358104
Where to go
- Name
- West Middlesbrough Family Hub
- Address
-
West Middlesbrough Family Hub
Stainsby Road
Middlesbrough
- Postcode
- TS5 4JS
- View TS5 4JS on a map
Time / Date Details
- When is it on
- Monday (10am to 11.30am and 1pm to 2.30pm) during School Term Times
Availability
- Referral required
- Referral Details
How to Refer to STARS
We now have an online referral form for you complete Link to STARS’ Online e-form referral
Hearing Support
The Service accepts online, e-referrals for hearing support from ENT consultants and paediatric audiologists. Additionally, learners attending Sunnyside Academy, Kings Academy, Preston Primary School or Northfield School may be referred into the service at in the event of the learner planning to attend mainstream settings.
Parents and schools who are concerned about a child’s hearing are have advised the child should visit their GP to discuss a referral to ENT/Audiology. The Service is able to provide informal advice to parents and schools at this stage.
Vision Support
The Service accepts online, e-referrals for vision support from Opthalmology consultants, families, schools and any wider professionals working with the learner. Additionally, learners attending Sunnyside Academy, Kings Academy, Preston Primary School or Northfield School may be referred into the service at in the event of the learner planning to attend mainstream settings.
Support when Hearing and Vision Levels are Both Affected - Assessment of Multi-Sensory Impairment
The Service accepts online, e-referrals for vision support from Social Care, families, schools and any wider professionals working with the learner.
Related Links
Local Offer
- Local Offer Age Bands
-
5 -11 Years
11 -16 Years
16 -19 Years
19 - 25 Years - SEN Provision Type
- Specialist