Eye and ear checks to be offered to autism students at school

She said students with complex needs can miss a lot of school time going for medical appointments.

“At least this appointment can happen here and the families get reassured,” she said.

The school has done follow-up tests for the boy, and all is well.

“We were able to go straight to the otoscopy and look in the ear and see a little bit of scarring in the eardrum, which indicated that the hole had closed, had healed,” she said.

Sarah Norris, co-headteacher at Linden Lodge, said being able to offer the service in school had been “super beneficial” for students.

“This is the best place because they know this space,” she said.

“Being able to offer this during the school day with people who are very familiar with these young people is massive benefit for families, for the community, for school for everyone.”

All staff carrying out the sensory checks will be fully qualified.

Anne Worrall-Davies, NHS England’s children and young people’s clinical lead for learning disability, autism and SEND, said: “We are delighted that we will soon be able to offer these vitally important checks.

“They will ensure children and young people in residential special schools are able to lead happier, healthier lives with minimal disruption to their education and routine.”

The checks will include: