Ewing Foundation's training packages - new and updated
Our team of Education Advisors, who are all by experienced Qualified Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People (QToDs), are delighted to offer the following training packages. The team are happy to deliver elements of different courses to meet your needs and availability, and can offer breakfast/ twilight sessions, or full or half day training, online or in-person. Please contact us to discuss timings, dates and content to best suit your needs.
New training: We welcome requests for training in any area of deaf education, even if it is not listed below. When a request is made, we work closely with the team to co‑design the programme, pilot it with two additional teams, and then offer it as a paid training package. For example, we are currently working with a Local Authority team to develop a training package on Early Writing Skills: Supporting the writing skills of deaf learners in Key Stages 1 and 2.
Supporting a Family: Effective conversations with families of newly-diagnosed deaf babies, children and young people
For deaf children’s best outcomes, effective, early support, from the point of referral to local Sensory Education teams is crucial. Working closely with families and having sensitive, effective conversations with parents and carers is one of the key areas of the QToD role.
This training recaps the guidance, legislation and research that frames the QToD’s responsibilities when working with families and examines the themes that underpin effective conversations. We will use case studies, real life scenarios and videos to identify key areas of challenge, looking in depth at the uniqueness of the QToD role, associated specialist skills and different communication models. We hope this training will equip you with more ‘tools in your toolbox’ to manage this vitally important area of your work.
While this training is primarily designed with QToDs in mind, the principles and learning outcomes are equally applicable to Qualified Teachers of Children and Young People with Vision Impairment or Qualified Teachers of Children and Young People with Multi-Sensory Impairments and other professionals working alongside them in supporting families after an identification of deafness or vision impairment.
Making a Difference: Supporting autistic deaf children and young people
While the exact number of deaf children in the UK with autism is unknown, professionals in deaf education are increasingly supporting deaf children and young people with an autism diagnosis, or whose needs benefit from autism‑informed strategies.
This interactive training works collaboratively with your team to explore effective ways to support autistic deaf children and young people on your caseload. The course can be tailored to your team’s needs and may include:
- Current research on autistic deaf children and young people
- Practical support strategies, including Zones of Regulation and Social Stories
- Supporting sensory processing needs
- Effective multi‑agency working before and after diagnosis
- Working collaboratively with families
- Supporting needs while awaiting an autism diagnosis
Language assessment, data interpretation and target-setting (including PLS-5 and CELF-5)
Effective language assessment and target setting are core skills for QToDs. This training supports new and experienced practitioners to select, administer, and interpret appropriate language assessments for deaf children and young people aged 0–25, including the PLS‑5 and CELF‑5.
The course focuses on using assessment data to inform practice and improve outcomes. Participants will explore how to interpret assessment results, including pragmatics measures, set relevant SMART targets, and select evidence‑based interventions. Training is practical and interactive, using case studies throughout, with opportunities to examine assessment materials and apply learning to real‑life examples. Where possible, teams are encouraged to bring assessment data from their own service or setting. The training can also support services reviewing or updating their Assessment Policy in light of newer assessment tools.
Evaluating Listening: Using speech tests to validate electroacoustic measures
Good access to speech sounds is essential for the development of spoken language in deaf children and young people. While test box measures and listening checks confirm that hearing technology is functioning, they do not show how effectively a child is accessing speech through their technology.
This refresher training focuses on evaluating functional listening using speech discrimination testing. It supports QToDs to confidently assess listening outcomes with hearing aids and other technology, using speech tests with or without automated speech in noise systems. The session reinforces best practice in validating electroacoustic measures through listening-based assessments to inform ongoing support and recommendations.
For more information about any of these courses, please contact us.