Giving children a voice

Only last month Karen was celebrating after winning the teaching and learning support staff category at the National Association for Special Educational Needs’ annual awards. The category is open to “anyone in a teaching and learning support role who has demonstrated commitment and excellent practice which has improved the outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs”. Karen (pictured above) has worked at St Giles for almost 18 years and described the awards ceremony, held at London’s Waldorf Hotel, as “a lovely evening. I met so many inspirational candidates. “It was an honour to be nominated and it was such a surprise when my name was called out. “I am passionate about giving children a voice and supporting them with their communication skills.” Karen joined St Giles as a teaching assistant, but was encouraged by Jill Moore, a teacher at the school, to take the role of school communication practitioner. She trained in Makaton – a language programme that uses signs and symbols with spoken language to encourage communication skills and develop speech – four years ago. And this summer, Karen – who started her teaching career working with triplets with special educational needs at a neighbouring mainstream primary school – taught pupils and staff at St Giles how to sign the England football anthem ‘Three Lions’ using Makaton. The school was filmed and the clip used before England’s World Cup semi-final against Croatia. Kare...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: Article News deaf members East Midlands education stars in our schools Source Type: news