The Hathershaw Hearing Resource Centre Team support pupils with hearing impairments.
One such young person is Kaleem Tariq who attends The Hearing Resource Centre at Hathershaw College, a unique secondary resource for hearing-impaired students in Oldham. The centre caters for students with a range of hearing losses who require support to access the curriculum.
Teachers of the deaf and educational communicators support the students both in class and in the centre.
What the service has done for Kaleem
Born with severe hearing loss and wears hearing aids, Kaleem is one of many young people who are supported by the centre (17 students with a provision placement / 20 students monitored).
Kaleem has a dedicated educational communicator – Gemma Jones – who aids Kaleem with is studies whilst in a mainstream environment. Both have built a strong and trusted relationship. This was evident when he came to Kaleem’s dream of becoming a football coach.
Through Gemma and the SEND Local Offer, Kaleem learned about Little Kickers, sessions that gives children a positive introduction to football in a friendly, pressure-free environment. Gemma organised for Kaleem to attend the initial session
What has changed in his life?
His dream of becoming a football coach turned into a reality.
After volunteering his services for weeks and impressing the coaching staff with is determination, skills and adversity, Kaleem has landed himself a job.
Some of Kaleem’s coaching responsibilities are greeting parents, coaches and children, as well as setting up games, being a positive role model and referring games.
Kaleem feels proud, empowered and confident about his coaching and his studies.
Kaleem said: “The support I receive at college has improved my confidence and communication. I appreciate all they have done for me. It’s amazing because I’m now a football coach.”
Mum Fauzia also praises the support she and her son receives.
Oldham SEND Local Offer (Kaleem and football coaching) from Oldham Council on Vimeo.