Hearing Resource Base Provision - Kennet School

Last updated: 03/11/2023

The Hearing Resource Base (HRB) opened in September 2010 following a reorganisation of deaf education in West Berkshire.  Kennet School was specially selected as the location of the resource, which caters for young people who have a hearing loss and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). In September 2013, the resource moved into purpose-built accommodation, acoustically treated to the highest specification, and with state-of-the-art technology. In addition to a teaching classroom and two, smaller, study rooms, there is a social room where pupils with a hearing loss and their friends can chat and relax at break and lunchtimes, in a deaf-friendly environment.

 

The primary goal of the resource is to maximise inclusion within the mainstream classroom. Our vision is for pupils to achieve their full potential within a secure and supportive environment, building self-esteem, taking ownership of their learning and participating in the wider school community.

 

We are an auditory/aural provision, where emphasis is placed on the development of speaking and listening skills, and making optimum use of our pupils’ residual hearing. Support is tailored to the individual needs of every pupil and can be adapted to ensure all of our pupils have access to the mainstream curriculum and social activities. It is our aim for pupils’ confidence and resilience to grow in an inclusive environment where social and academic empowerment are nurtured.

 

The HRB team includes two Teachers of the Deaf, three Specialist Teaching Assistants and two additional TAs who will be undertaking specialist training shortly. Pupils may be withdrawn for 1:1 lessons or small group work but are otherwise included in mainstream lessons for the majority of the school day.

 

The teaching staff at Kennet offer skilled support to pupils with hearing loss in their classes. In addition to their personal hearing aids, all our pupils have digital radio aid transmitters. These allow the teacher’s voice to be heard more clearly and help to minimise the effects of background noise. We are fortunate to have the benefit of acoustic ceilings and digital soundfield systems in 52 teaching rooms across the school. These create an even spread of sound within a room and more comfortable listening levels for both deaf and hearing pupils alike. Annual investment continues to further improve the acoustics in the school, for the benefit of all.

 

Parents are encouraged to have regular contact with the resource and may make an appointment to discuss any aspects or concerns without the need to wait for more formal meetings. In this way, we provide a network of support and advice in which pupils with hearing loss can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally and in which concerns are dealt with promptly and efficiently.

 

We currently have 7 pupils in the resource.

 

Further information can be found at www.kennetschool.co.uk

Who to contact

Contact Name
Dr Adrian Chrimes
Contact Position
Head of Hearing Resource Base
Telephone
01635 862121 Ext 289
E-mail
achrimes@kennetschool.co.uk
Website
Kennet School Hearing Resource Base

Where to go

Name
Kennet School
Address
Kennet School
Stoney Lane
Thatcham
Berkshire
Postcode
RG19 4LL

Other Details

Availability

Age Ranges
Referral Details

Kennet School Hearing Resource Base supports students between the ages of 11-18

Other notes

What qualifications/experience do staff in the Provision have?

Teacher in Charge: Teacher of the Deaf 

Additional Teacher: Teacher of the Deaf 

Teaching Assistants: Three full-time Specialist Teaching Assistants with a BTEC Level 3 qualification; 'Advanced Award for Teaching Assistants working with Sensory Impaired Children and Young People'. Three additional TAs who are expected to soon undertake specialist training. One Communication Support Worker with level 6 BSL.

What training and support is offered to mainstream staff?

Induction training for staff new to the school on Deaf Awareness and support strategies for Hearing Impaired pupils.

In house training as required.

Advice Note for each pupil.

Staff are encouraged to seek advice on meeting the needs of the pupils through liaison with HIR team.

Support for arranging school trips including risk assessment and accessibility, use of assistive technology, and advice to location staff.

Training on the use of radio aids and soundfield systems.

In school training on additional needs from visiting professionals such as such as Speech and Language Therapists, Audiologist etc. as needed.

Local Offer

Description

Teachers 2:10 pupils.

Teaching Assistants 5:7 pupils.

Additional staffing is arranged to meet more complex needs with agreement from the LA.

Currently, we have two Teachers of the Deaf.

Contact Name
Adrian Chrimes
Contact Telephone
01635 862121 Ext 289
Contact Email
achrimes@kennetschool.co.uk
SEN Provision Type
Hearing Impairment
Local Offer Age Bands
12 to 14
15 to 16
16 to 18

General Provider

What are the eligibility criteria for your service? (please include any age restrictions, types of need catered for etc)

From SLA Decisions about transport are made by the LA. Contact the SEND team, telephone number : 01635 519713 to discuss your needs. The expectation is that pupils are brought to school by parents. However, where they live more than 3 miles from the school, or in certain exceptional circumstances, the LA will consider providing transport.

How are referrals/applications made to your service? (include details of who can refer/apply and referral and application process)

Applications are made directly through the LA. Parents of pupils who live in West Berkshire are welcome to contact the school to arrange a visit. Those who live outside West Berkshire must contact the LA in the first instance. SEND Team, telephone number : 01635 519713

Who provides / funds your service?
Local Authority
Are children, young people, parents / carers charged for your service?
No
Inspection outcomes/quality awards

Kennet School was inspected by OFSTED in December 2022 and retained its status as outstanding. The inspectors made the following comments:

"Pupils with SEND in the specialist resourced provisions receive highly effective support from well-trained staff, so they can access the curriculum. Leaders clearly identify the support that pupils with SEND need. Teachers use detailed support plans to adapt lessons so that pupils achieve ambitious learning goals. Pupils with SEND achieve exceptionally well."

The School holds a number of awards, including technology college, arts college, language college, National Healthy Schools Status, the Challenge Award, Exceptional Schools Award, Gold Arts mark and Sportsmark.

Feedback and complaints procedure

Any complaints should be directed initially to the Teacher in Charge of the Resource, or to the Head teacher at the school. If issues remain unresolved the Service Manager for SEN and Disabled Children’s Team: SEN and DCT Service Manager, Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury RG14 5LD 01635 503646 jane.seymour@westberks.gov.uk

How will I know my child will be safe using this service?

Refer to Ofsted inspection, Dec 2022.

Quality checks

  • Not applicable

West Berkshire Council do not promote or endorse any of the services listed in this Directory. For more information on this please read our disclaimer.

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