Primary School Celebrates Deaf Awareness Week to foster inclusivity

Western Primary School held a special assembly earlier this week which saw student ambassadors perform the song ‘I can sing a rainbow’ in British Sign Language (BSL).

The pupils and staff have been learning the song over the last few weeks in class in preparation for the event. Mrs Taylor, who led the assembly and is the SENCO for the school (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator), took the opportunity to raise awareness of deaf and hard of hearing people by showing the children what a cochlear implant and hearing aids are and the importance of understanding how to communicate in a different way.

The school have worked closely with Debra Gregory-Jones, teacher of the deaf from the Educational Team for Hearing and Vision (ETHV) at North East Lincolnshire Council to ensure a child who is deaf and attends the school has the right support whilst he is in education. Debra attended the assembly with some of her team and said:

“It was so lovely to be invited to the assembly at Western Primary school today and to see the whole school getting involved with Deaf Awareness Week. We have worked closely with staff and students to encourage inclusion for pupils who need support in communication through BSL and the performance today goes to show that the hard work is paying off for all children.”

It is estimated that around 11 million people in the UK are deaf or hard of hearing and that around 50000 of those are children.

Shelby Devine, who’s child is profoundly deaf and attends Western praised the school for their efforts in creating an inclusive environment:

“It really means a lot that the school have pulled together to do the assembly today and it was lovely to be invited.”

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education said:

“Every child should feel like they belong in their school environment, this event not only raised awareness about the experiences of deaf and hard of hearing individuals but also highlighted the importance of understanding and embracing different ways of communication.

However a child communicates, they all deserve for their voices to be heard, and I am incredibly proud of the efforts made by everyone involved, and I look forward to seeing the community continue to grow in its commitment to inclusivity.”