STARS - Sensory Teaching Advisory and Resource Service

05/10/2026

Has your child or young person's school signed up?

The School of Signs provides British Sign Language lessons for free!

Launching today! 🎉

We’re excited to introduce the first of our 10 new video lessons, which allow learners in schools across the UK to take the next steps in learning British Sign Language.

These new lessons focus on developing conversational skills useful in real-world situations, making them accessible to a wider range of students across both primary and secondary schools.

The first lesson, covering Being Around Adventures, is available for free now, with an additional new lesson coming every week.

👉 Explore the free resources and bring BSL into your classroom through this link - https://theschoolofsigns.org.uk/

05/10/2026

05/10/2026

📢 SECONDARY SCHOOL APPLICATION REMINDER!

If your child is due to start secondary school in September 2027, don’t forget to submit their school application by:

📅 31st October 2026

Make sure you check your local authority’s website for information on how to apply and your school options.

Good luck with your applications! ⭐️

01/10/2026

01/10/2026

A Deaf child who looks like they've stopped concentrating may actually have been concentrating harder than everyone else in the room.⁠
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That's something every educator should know about listening fatigue.⁠
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Following a teacher, processing speech in background noise, keeping up with class discussions, moving through noisy corridors and then doing it all again in the afternoon can require significant additional effort for a Deaf child.⁠
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And fatigue doesn't always look like tiredness; It can look like distraction, frustration, withdrawal or reduced participation.⁠
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We've refreshed our practical guide for teachers and education teams, with ways to reduce listening demands rather than simply expecting a child to keep concentrating harder.⁠
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If you have a Deaf child in your classroom this academic year, this is worth reading and sharing with your team.⁠
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Here are some good tips you'll find in the article:⁠
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👀 Visual aids reduce cognitive overload. ⁠
🧘‍♂️ Breaks allow recharging and prevent sensory overload. ⁠
🔊 Assistive listening devices enhance comprehension. ⁠
🤫 Quiet spaces provide solace amidst overwhelming environments. ⁠
🖐️ Multisensory learning engages different senses for a richer experience. ⁠
💪 Encourage self-advocacy and empower Deaf children to manage fatigue. ⁠
🤗 Show patience, empathy, and provide support. It makes a world of difference! ⁠
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Collaborate with families for valuable insights and understanding.⁠
📈 Stay updated with continuous professional development opportunities. ⁠
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If you'd like to read the full article, click here: https://www.deafumbrella.com/post/listening-fatigue-deaf-children-classroom
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DeafKids DeafStudent ConcentrationFatigue

24/09/2026

Please see below for more information on the Halloween Crafts event in half term! 🎃

All deaf and VI children are welcome to attend. ⭐️

🎃 HALLOWEEN CRAFTS MORNING! 👻✂️

We’re excited to invite families along to our FREE Halloween Crafts Morning with Teesside Deaf Children’s Group! 🧡💜

📅 Wednesday 28th October
⏰ 9.30am–11.30am
📍 West Middlesbrough Family Hub, Stainsby Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 4JS

We’ll have a variety of Halloween craft activities for the children to enjoy, plus a snack and juice for every child. 🎨🎃

🧡 Deaf children and their hearing siblings are very welcome
👻 Fancy dress is welcome but completely optional
👨‍👩‍👧 Parent/carer supervision is required throughout

🎟️ Places are limited, so don’t delay in booking!
The event is completely free, but booking is essential. Please book one place for each child attending via the Eventbrite link in the comments.

We can’t wait for a morning of Halloween fun and another chance to bring our local deaf children and families together! 🎃🦇🧡

Please share with any families of deaf children in the Teesside area who might like to join us!

21/09/2026

Tiny STARS Baby & Toddler Group Halloween Special!

Please email [email protected] to register your attendance.

{Visual description:

Colourful flyer containing little ducklings and STARS logo, cartoon rubber ducks dressed as witches, cartoon pumpkins, a clipart image of a spooky house & bats.

'Halloween Sensory Session at STARS Sensory Teaching Advisory and Resource Service. For babies & toddlers. Explore, play, create, make friends. A fun-filled morning for your little ones. Spooky, sensory fun to support your child's development. Spaghetti spider play, potion making, bobbin halloween ducks, spooky sensory tub, spooky handprint keepsake, Supports early development through play, sensory activities for little explorers, safe & welcoming environment.

Wednesday 21st October. Fun starts at 9.30am. STARS, West Middlesbrough Family Hub, Stainsby Road, Middlesbrough TS5 4JS}

14/09/2026

NDCS provide lots of free information to support deaf CYP, their family and their educational settings.

If your CYP is on STARS caseload you can also reach out to your allocated teacher or email [email protected] with any questions.

14/09/2026

It was lovely to see some STARS families this weekend. ⭐️