Royal School for the Deaf Derby is a child centred day and residential school, which provides deaf children aged from 3 — 19 with access to language (English and BSL), literacy and all curriculum areas.   It promotes a strong sense of identity and through its 24 hour curriculum prepares young people for adult life. "A very effective school" Ofsted 2005. "The school staff and student relationships are very good with staff investing significant amounts of time and energy ........ to ensure that pupil needs are identified and met"  CSCI 2006

Principal Cheryll Ford

In practice this means:

• The school follows the National Curriculum including the Literacy and Numeracy Strategies, Science and ICT initiatives, SATs, Entry Level, GCSE and a range of other external assessments

• The school has a fully developed ICT network, which is used to enhance other curriculum areas. All pupils have their own email address

• There is a BSL curriculum where pupils work towards CACDP examinations

• There is a Deaf Studies curriculum leading to CACDP examination

• Two speech and language therapists with good bilingual skills have regular sessions with all children

• The educational audiologist is based in a purpose built suite. Pupils are encouraged to maximise their residual hearing through the use of analogue and digital hearing aids and cochlear implants

• There is full time nurse based in a well equipped Health Centre

• Well qualified deaf and hearing staff work in all departments

• Information is made available for staff and parents in BSL and English

• Pupils in residence are encouraged to participate in deaf and hearing community activities.

• Access to Telemental Health including the services of a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychiatrist, Psychologist and Play Therapist