The Listen to Learn Service was piloted in 4 schools in metropolitan NSW in December 2022. The schools were nominated by the NSW Education Department and referral pathways were established with the local Community Controlled Health Service. Over 500 children were assessed and some 200 educators completed the online training packages. Initial review of the processes and data identified some process improvements that will be adopted in the next round of screenings. Feedback on the training for educators was extremely positive with the majority of attendees showing significant improvement in their knowledge of how to identify and manage children with hearing loss in the classroom on pre-and post-training assessments. Our processes ensured speedy referral and access to rehabilitation services for 3 children identified as potentially having permanent hearing loss.
Listen to Learn
Action description:
Outcome:
Outcome 04
Status:
Existing
Is this Indigenous specific?:
No
Indicators:
Outcomes by AEDC domains (developmentally vulnerable or at risk or on track)
Responsible Ministers:
Minister for Social Services
Resourcing:
$3.0 million over 2 years
Delivery timeframe:
Completion of the program to be extended to 31 December 2023 using existing funding. Rollout to schools and early childhood education services nationally will commence from March 2023. Test procedures have been modified based on review of the pilot sites. We are formalising the extension of the program to the end of December 2023 with the Department of Health. This will allow us to maximise participation by schools and to fully assess the impact of the program.
Agency:
Department of Social Services