Resource Base for Deaf Students

Great Baddow High School is a large, vibrant and inclusive school where every deaf learner is supported to achieve their full potential. Deaf students are an integral part of our mainstream school community, and we actively encourage the development of independence, self-confidence and self-advocacy skills.

Students spend the majority of their time, and in some cases all their time, in mainstream lessons alongside their hearing peers. Support from experienced Resource Base staff is provided according to individual needs, enabling students to access the curriculum, develop independence and participate fully in all aspects of school life.

Students in the Resource Base are fully immersed in school life, participating in lessons, extracurricular activities, educational visits and a wide range of enriching experiences alongside their hearing peers. We are committed to ensuring that every deaf student feels valued, included and empowered to succeed.

Our aim is for every student to develop a strong sense of belonging, build confidence and resilience, and gain the skills and support they need to achieve, participate and thrive both within school and beyond.

The Resource Base for Deaf Students (RBDS) is a dynamic, well-established and highly valued part of our school community. Established over 30 years ago, we offer a holistic approach that supports students academically, socially and emotionally, helping them to become confident, independent and capable young adults. Through encouragement, understanding and nurture, we promote wellbeing, self-confidence and personal development.

About Us

The RBDS consists of a highly skilled and experienced team of qualified Teachers of the Deaf (TODs), Communication Support Workers (CSWs) and specialist Learning Support Assistants (LSAs). In addition, our D/deaf students receive British Sign Language (BSL) tuition from our visiting Deaf Instructor who delivers an introduction to BSL as well as Signature-accredited qualifications at Levels 1 and 2. Our Speech and Language Therapist also visits regularly to support students' language development and communication skills. Both professionals provide one-to-one and small-group sessions.

Our Facilities

The Resource Base for Deaf Students (RBDS) offers seven acoustically treated rooms that provide ideal listening conditions for teaching, BSL sessions, speech and language therapy and audiology testing.

Audiology Support

Our Resource Base staff carry out daily checks of hearing aids, cochlear implants and radio aids, and can resolve many minor equipment issues on site. We work closely with the local audiology department to ensure repairs are completed promptly, and their technician visits twice a year to undertake ear mould impressions.  The Educational Audiologist visits each term to ensure that assisted listening devices are functioning optimally and meeting the pupils’ hearing needs.

Support from the RBDS

Within the RBDS we support deaf students to access the National Curriculum within mainstream classes. To achieve this, we use a total communication approach where we translate / modify lessons into sign language (BSL or Sign Supported English) or use oral approaches depending on students’ preferences and needs. Our staff provide additional support to students such as language modification, scribing/notetaking both in class and for examinations. We also provide pre and post tutoring and homework support where required.

In addition to curriculum support, we offer comprehensive guidance on post-16 transition pathways, supporting students to explore a wide range of options. These include A Levels and BTEC courses within our Sixth Form or college courses, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities. We also support transition for students progressing into Higher Education, including advice on university choices, apprenticeship routes, and career pathways to help them make informed decisions about their future.

A transition programme is in place for primary-aged deaf children considering a placement within Great Baddow High School's Resource Base, helping them to become familiar with the school, staff and support available

Resource Base Tutorials

Targeted one-to-one or small-group interventions are available to reinforce learning, build confidence, and address gaps in understanding. RBDS tutorials are delivered by our Teachers of the Deaf or CSWS, these sessions help students prepare for mainstream lessons by introducing key vocabulary, concepts, and subject knowledge in advance, enabling them to participate more fully and successfully in class. Where appropriate, students may access smaller mainstream teaching groups to further develop their language, literacy, and numeracy skills in a supportive learning environment.

Our aim is to help every student gain the skills and confidence needed to access learning in mainstream classes alongside their peers.

Inclusion and Signing Opportunities

Students spend most, and sometimes all, of their school day in mainstream lessons with their hearing peers. Resource Base staff provide personalised in-class support where needed, helping students to access learning successfully while promoting independence and self-confidence

Additional support through individual or small-group tutorials, speech and language therapy, and sign language tuition is provided according to each student's needs, with decisions made in partnership with parents, students and teachers. All Great Baddow students are taught sign language in KS3 during registration time. Deaf and hearing students are also encouraged to join signing clubs and participate in the signing choir.

Deaf culture, history, and sign language are incorporated into the mainstream curriculum, as well as school events and performances. This helps to develop communication skills across the whole school community, foster inclusion, raise awareness of Deaf culture, and celebrate Deaf identity and achievement.

Deaf students also participate in a programme of trips, visits, Deaf-themed assemblies and enrichment activities designed to build self-confidence, raise aspirations and develop a positive Deaf identity. These opportunities enable students to develop a sense of belonging within the Deaf community and recognise that being deaf is a strength. Through shared experiences and positive Deaf role models, students are encouraged to celebrate their achievements, advocate for their needs, and develop the confidence to succeed both academically and socially.

Access to the RBDS

To access the Resource Base, students must have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Referrals are made through the Quadrant SEND Operations Team and are carefully reviewed by a panel of specialist Teachers of the Deaf to ensure that the provision best meets each student’s individual needs.

Essex Local Offer

The Local Offer gives information about support available for children and young people between 0 – 25 who are deaf.  You can use the local offer to

• Browse for local support
• Gain advice regarding transport
• Find out about education options

Help with learning | Essex Local Offer

Great Baddow High School | Essex Local Offer

Contact

If you have further questions about the RBDS at Great Baddow High School or would like to book a visit please contact the department directly by telephoning: 01245 291047 or emailing Ms Anna Wallbank, Teacher of the Deaf and Head of Resource Base at: wlb@gbhs.co.uk.

Student Comment

“A big thanks for all the help and support that I received from you over the years. I especially thank you for the extra 1 to 1 support away from classes which helped me a lot. You have all been amazing.”

Parent Comment

“We are forever grateful for the support, kindness and encouragement you have given to [our child] over the last few years. Not only have you helped [our child] thrive, you have got to know and understand him as an individual.”

Ofsted 2026

“Deaf pupils are well supported in lessons. There is a close liaison between specialist staff from the specially resourced provision and subject teachers”.

“Staff receive extensive training on how to support deaf students in their lessons successfully. As a result, deaf pupils are in receipt of highly-positive experiences.”