Liz Hidges writes –

New programme from the University of Birmingham 

To help meet the needs of professionals who are working with children who have sensory impairments as a part of multiple and complex needs is being offered by the University of Birmingham. This programme called Early years; Sensory and Multiple Needs, is designed to enable practitioners working with this population to develop effective practice and to reflect on and evaluate their work and their services. 

The programme aims to

• to equip participants with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to work with children and their families and support and advise colleagues
• to encourage participants to develop the ability to reflect on the implications of their own practice, in the light of recent government initiatives and the Early Support Programmes 

The three modules comprising the programme are;

• The child with sensory and multiple needs in the family
• The child with sensory and multiple needs in the environment
• A special study on a topic agreed with tutors. 

Assessment is rooted in practical work carried out during the programme activities and includes written assignments. 

This is a one year distance education programme, leading to an Advanced Certificate or a Post Graduate Certificate. Applications are invited from all disciplines working with these children;  teachers (who may already hold a specialist qualification in sensory impairment or early years), professionals allied to medicine (physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists and health visitors) and social workers with an interest in this area.  Most will hold a relevant professional qualification, but those with relevant experience and prior learning who do not meet standard entry requirements will be considered. 

For further information, please contact Liz Hodges on 0121 414 4873 or e.m.hodges@bham.ac.uk 

The development of this programme was supported by a grant from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.