STARS - Sensory Teaching Advisory and Resource Service

Reach out to your Teacher of Deaf Children and Young People if you'd like to know more about soundfield systems for your CYP.

🎪 Between the Tides Festival – A FREE FAMILY FESTIVAL! 🌊✨

If you’re looking for something fun to do with the family during the summer holidays, Between the Tides Festival is back at Kirkleatham, Redcar on:

📅 Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 August
⏰ 10am–5pm
📍 Kirkleatham, Redcar
💙 Completely FREE!

There’s loads to see and do, including circus, outdoor theatre, dance, puppetry, music, performances and workshops - with something for children and their grown-ups.

And there’s some fantastic accessibility for our deaf children and families too! 💙🤟

✨ Lots of performances are non-verbal and highly visual
🤟 Some performances have integrated BSL
🤟 There are also BSL-interpreted performances throughout both days
🌿 Relaxed Hour 10–11am each morning, with a quieter and calmer atmosphere
♿ Accessible viewing areas at all shows
🦽 Most of the site is wheelchair accessible
🧩 An Autism Support Allies Safe Space will be available in The Bothy for anyone needing somewhere quiet to reset
🚻 Accessible, Changing Places and other toilet facilities available
🚌 Accessible shuttle buses running from Redcar High Street

🤟 BSL-interpreted performances include:

Saturday: Carol Bowden, Falconry Dismay, Reynard the Fox, Ugly Bug Wing Ding, Fabric of Us & The Spell Casters.

Sunday: Singalong with Lady Lemon Top, David Gibb Big Band, The Hare and the Moon, Ugly Bug Wing Ding, Storytelling with Captain Plim & His Fishy Friend Sole & The Spell Casters.

There are also performances such as Go Grandad Go featuring integrated BSL.

It sounds like a brilliant weekend for families - and being free, highly visual and with lots of BSL provision, it’s definitely one to put on the summer holiday list! 💙

📍 Kirkleatham, Redcar
📅 22 & 23 August, 10am–5pm

Save the date and share with other local families! 🤟💙

Water Safety & Technology Reminder 💧

For children and young people with hearing or vision needs, a little preparation can help make water activities safer, more accessible and more enjoyable.

👂 Hearing: Remember to protect hearing equipment from water, keep a dry-box or waterproof container handy, and have a plan for where equipment will be stored safely.

👁️ Vision: Think about clear communication, good contrast, suitable eyewear, familiar routines and keeping vision equipment safe and dry.

⭐️ Every child is different, so think about what your child needs to feel safe, confident and included around water.

Do you have any more tips to share with other families? Drop them in the comments 👇

[Visual descriptions on each image].

Charlotte Smith- QToDCYP

💪👂

It was lovely to see some STARS families at the Deaf Empowering Network festival today ⭐️

It was a great day! 👏
(Charlotte Smith- QToDCYP)

☕ You’re invited! ☕

We’re so excited to be working in partnership with MeSign British Sign Language Specialists to host our very first Coffee Morning for families of deaf children and CODAs across Teesside.

Following the success of our recent Tweddle Farm meet-up, we’d love to welcome even more families to come along for a relaxed morning of coffee, conversation and connection.

Whether you’re new to the deaf community or have been part of it for years, everyone is welcome. 🥰

📅 Saturday 12th September
🕙 10:00am–12:00pm
📍 MeSign Community Room, Thornaby

You’ll also have the chance to meet Leah Walker, NDCS Community Connector, who’ll be there to chat about the support and opportunities available for local families.

☕ Coffee, tea and treats will be provided.

Please share this post with anyone who may benefit - we’d love to welcome lots of new families!

Thank you to MeSign for partnering with us to make this possible. 🤟💙