Support for Children and Young People with Vision and Hearing Needs

The Croydon Sensory Support Service provides support for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with vision impairment, hearing impairment, or multi-sensory impairment (MSI).

The service works closely with families, schools, early years settings, and health professionals to help children with sensory needs learn, communicate, and take part fully in school and everyday life.

Who is the service for?

The child or young person may benefit from the service if they:

  • Have a diagnosed vision impairment, hearing impairment, or both.
  • Are aged 0 to 25 years old.
  • Live in Croydon, or attend a Croydon school.
  • Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or are being supported through SEN Support.

The service supports children from the point of diagnosis - this includes babies, toddlers, and children in school or college.

What support is available?

Croydon’s Sensory Support Service provides:

  • Qualified Teachers of the Deaf (ToD) and Teachers of the Visually Impaired (QTVI)
  • Specialist teaching support at home, school, or nursery
  • Help with using equipment, technology, or communication aids
  • Training and advice for teachers and staff
  • Support for parents on how to help their child at home
  • Transition support when moving between settings (e.g. starting school or college)
  • Advice on making sure learning environments are accessible

Support can happen through regular visits, drop-ins, or one-off advice - depending on the child’s needs.

How can I refer?

Referrals can be made by:

  • A health professional (e.g. audiologist, ophthalmologist, GP)
  • The child’s school or SENCo
  • The child's parent/carer

You can download a referral form here.

Once a referral is received, the team will contact the parent to discuss next steps and the type of support the child may need.

Why this service matters

With the right support, children with vision or hearing needs can learn confidently, make friends, and feel fully included in their education and community.

The Croydon Sensory Support Service is here to make sure the child gets the help they need to thrive - and that the parents or carers, feel informed and supported too.