Our Sensory Service team supports children and young people aged 0 to 19 who have either: 

  • semi or permanent Deafness or hearing loss
  • vision impairment that cannot be corrected by glasses
  • multi-sensory loss that affects both hearing and vision 

We aim to help them: 

  • understand their diagnosis
  • fully participate in their local community
  • attend schools that provide appropriate support so they can fully access and engage in their education
  • be safe and as healthy as they can be
  • develop effective communication skills
  • be independent and have a range of choices for the future 

Watch the video for this information in British Sign Language (BSL):

BSL video about how to get support with Deafness and vision impairment in school

Universal and targeted support

We can give tailored training for professionals who work with children and young people with a diagnosis as part of our universal support offer. 

We also give targeted support in schools with: 

  • direct support and training for staff
  • teaching aids such as tactile resources or appropriate technology
  • teaching opportunities on specifically designed curriculum such as Curriculum Framework for Vision Impairment or Specialist Deaf Curriculum Framework
  • helping children and young people manage their personal audiological or visual aids
  • transition to a new stage of education 

We determine the amount of targeted support a child can receive using the National Sensory Impairment Partnership (NATSIP) eligibility criteria. NATSIP is part of the Department of Education that provides guidance on supporting children and young people who are Deaf, have a hearing loss or vision impairment. 

Find out how we support children and young people with Deafness and vision impairment 

Make a referral

You can refer a child or young person if you are: 

  • from an audiology or opthalmology clinic
  • a parent or carer
  • from a school
  • a professional working with the child 

You must submit a referral with evidence of a confirmed diagnosis of Deafness, hearing loss or vision impairment. You can contact us if you are unsure about how to get a diagnosis.

SEND Outreach Services referral form
DOCX ‐ 279.01 KB

We will aim to contact parents or carers within 3 days of receiving a referral to arrange a visit at home or school.

After the visit, we will determine how much help the child or young person needs using the NATSIP eligibility criteria.

Contact Sensory Services

Email: sensory-service@royalgreenwich.gov.uk 

Telephone: 020 8921 3311 

You can meet also us in person during the school day during term time by appointment at Discovery School.

Discovery School
Battery Road
West Thamesmead
London SE28 0JN       

Who we are

Our specialist team is made up of: 

  • Qualified Teachers of the Deaf (QToD)
  • Qualified Teachers of Vision Impairments (QTVI)
  • outreach workers
  • a Deaf instructor
  • Qualified Habilitation Specialist 

If you have questions about referring a child or want to learn more about Deafness or vision impairment, contact us. 

Specialist support in mainstream schools

Some Deaf children can get specialist support in mainstream schools with designated specialist provision (DSP). Our Sensory Panel decide if your child is eligible for this. 

To get a place in the DSP, your child will need to: 

  • have a diagnosis of Deafness that meets the DSP criteria of the individual school
  • have an Education, Health and Care plan with Deafness as a primary need 

Your child should have the potential to engage in mainstream learning with appropriate support as their day will be split between mainstream and special classes. 

Find out how to get an Education, Health and Care plan 

DSPs for Deaf children in Royal Greenwich  

There are three designated special provisions for Deaf children in Royal Greenwich: