STARS - Sensory Teaching Advisory and Resource Service

STARS Logo - The word STARS is in bold font which is blue. An image containing a black circle represents an iris is at the centre. It is surrounded by tto curved shapes at the top on bottom of the iris creating an almond eye shape. This is then encircled by a spiral shape, red in colour that represents a cochlea, a structure of the inner ear.

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

Link to STARS’ Online e-form referral

Who to contact

Contact Name
Ruth Crosby-Stewart
Contact Position
Head of Service
Telephone
01642 354354 01642 354354
E-mail
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.

Local Offer

Local Offer Age Bands
5 -11 Years
11 -16 Years
16 -19 Years
19 - 25 Years
SEN Provision Type
Specialist

Page last reviewed: 07/09/2023

Actions

Save to My Shortlist
Tweet
Share on Facebook
Share on WhatsApp
Is this information correct?
Skip back to top of page