Hearing Resource Base

At the heart of our Resource Base is the commitment to treat every child as an individual. We provide interventions and support based on each student’s Educational Health Care (EHC) Plan.

We aim to:

• Ensure good academic progress through excellent teaching and learning.
• Create a happy, inclusive environment where students can fully participate.
• Provide opportunities for deaf students to connect with peers and develop a sense of deaf identity.
• Equip our students with life skills to prepare them for life beyond school.
• Provide deaf awareness amongst the school community.

Deaf students are full members of their mainstream classes, learning and playing alongside their peers. Our flexible approach allows support to adapt to the changing needs of each student:

• In-Class Support: We provide tailored help during mainstream lessons. This promotes inclusion and independence.
• Morning Interventions: Daily sessions support language development. Activities include reading diverse texts, building vocabulary and enhancing conversation skills.
• Small Group Teaching: Students receive targeted interventions in our Hearing Resource Base classrooms.
• Collaborative Planning: Regular feedback and collaborative planning with mainstream staff ensure that learning opportunities are tailored appropriately for our deaf students.

Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to ensuring that every student can thrive:

• Two Qualified Teachers of the Deaf: Highly qualified staff adapt the curriculum to each student’s needs.
• Specialist Teaching Assistants: Our staff are experienced and qualified specialists.
• Speech and Language Therapy: Regular interventions are provided by a qualified speech and language therapist.

Our Centre is strengthened by invaluable resources and collaborative partnerships:

• Well-Equipped Learning Environment: Specialised materials support high-quality teaching and learning.
• Collaborative Expertise: We work closely with Speech and Language Therapists, audiologists, and Implant Centres.  This ensures we provide tailored support.
• Staff Development: Training in specialist equipment and mentoring opportunities help ensure continued excellence.
• Proven Record of Inclusion: Strong partnerships with local SEND teams. This creates a supportive environment.

• Audiological checks: Regular hearing checks with specialist checking equipment.
• Speech and Noise Testing: We test functional hearing to assess a deaf student’s ability to hear sounds in background noise.
• Aurical HIT testing for balancing hearing aids and radio aids.
• Liaising with audiologists to stay informed of any changes in the student's hearing.
• Troubleshooting of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and radio aid technology.
• Checking room acoustics and informing educators.

• At The Langley Academy we use an oral communication approach.
• Regular Deaf awareness training for all current and new staff.
• Touchscreen radio aids for all our deaf students.
• Maintaining open communication with parents to ensure consistency and collaboration.
• Coffee mornings to welcome new families and foster a sense of community.
• Invitations to Parent Evenings and Annual Review meetings to keep families engaged in their child’s progress.

Chandni Tank

Head of The Hearing Resource Base

I started off my career working for an educational charity, supporting underprivileged students. It was there I discovered my passion for teaching. Now, I am keen to support and be the advocate for social change in school. I particularly want to help pupils whose social and educational experiences may differ from their peers. I am dedicated to teaching deaf children and believe every student deserves to feel supported, valued, and empowered. I want all children to feel supported regardless of their background.

Outside of the classroom, I love to travel and immerse myself in different cultures. I also enjoy going to the theatre, spending quality time with my family, and taking long walks with my dog.

Vidya Ramesh

Qualified Teacher of the Deaf

I am dedicated to making learning engaging and accessible for all students. I want to ensure that our students have equal access to education, fostering their confidence and curiosity.

Beyond the classroom, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places, as well as going on long walks to appreciate nature and unwind.

Paul Laidler 

LSA in the Hearing Resource Base 

I find my role in school deeply rewarding. The young people I work with are a pleasure to support and inspire.

Before joining education, I served in the police force. As my children grew up, I decided to change careers and use my life experience in a new way. Working with students allows me to combine the lessons I learned as a parent with my passion for guiding young people to make positive choices.

Since moving into education, I’ve seen how powerful support and encouragement can be. Helping students grow in confidence and independence has become my vocation.

Outside of school, I enjoy reading and woodworking—two pastimes that keep me busy now that my children have left home.

Susana Apenyo

LSA in the Hearing Resource Base 

Working in TLA for over 5 years has been a great opportunity. The HRB is a very inclusive Hub, supporting SEND students to realise their abilities. I love working with the various needs presented in our student's learning.

I have BScs in Business and Management, Working with Children and Young People in Integrated Services. I also have an MSc in the Anthropology of Childhood and Youth Education. I also have Level 3 in SEND, Level 2 in Mental health, and Counselling. I believe challenges help build resilience as a Support Staff.

“Decision, Determination, Discipline and Dedication births Distinction.”

Carole Gipps

LSA in the Hearing Resource Base 

I have been at Langley Academy for 6 years working in the HRB, I have my Level 3 BTEC Speech and Language along with Level 3 Hearing Impairment. I have worked in various schools for 24 years both primary and secondary.

I have a wonderful granddaughter who is 3 years old, she loves my cat, Mog. My favourite subject is English, and I enjoy reading. I can often be seen at ice rinks supporting my sons when their team plays ice hockey. 

Barbara Boddy

LSA in the Hearing Resource Base 

I have worked at Langley Academy for 26 years in the SEN Department. I have lived in Langley for 44 years. I have two daughters (my eldest was a student at Langleywood) and nine grandchildren.

Three evenings a week I work in a local supermarket. In my spare time I enjoy reading crime stories, Kimberly Chambers is one of my favourite authors.

Katie Tull

LSA in the Hearing Resource Base 

I work as an LSA in the HRB and have been here for two years. I love travelling and I am happiest when in the sun. When I’m not travelling, I like to spend my time with friends, family and my two miniature dachshund, Frenchie, and Belle.