The four countries of the UK are in different stages and degrees of lockdown and restriction and BATOD is keen to find out how this is affecting the ability of QToDs, and those in training, to carry out their role and support deaf children and young people and their families including in schools and other settings. Therefore later this month they will be asking members to let us know, through a short survey, about the issues they are currently facing. This will enable BATOD to follow up the previous survey carried out in the Summer: https://www.batod.org.uk/resource/batod-survey-summary-members-views-on-how-covid-19-and-the-lockdown-had-been-affecting-education-and-childrens-services/

In the meantime BATOD is very clear that whilst they are offering suggestions and guidance for the profession, it remains of paramount importance that all members follow the safety and safeguarding guidelines of their employer and the wider advice from the Government, Public Health England and other such bodies.

In order to support BATOD members and others they have produced, some with other organisations such as the NDCS, a number of documents which they hope will be supportive. These were recently highlighted in BATOD's latest newsletter and remain relevant. They include: https://www.batod.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Meeting-the-needs-of-deaf-children-as-schools-reopen-FINAL.pdf, a document about face coverings https://www.batod.org.uk/batod-update-in-relation-to-face-coverings-in-education-settings/ cobadged with the Assistive Listening Technology Working Group, a document about the appropriate cleaning of technical/audiological equipment in schools https://www.batod.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cleaning-hearing-devices-and-radio-aids-supporting-health-and-safety-during-Covid-19-v5.pdf