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Early Years Centre worker Seval Ordek and Phoebe Clark, 11 months, with Mayor of Camden councillor Nurul Islam and deputy head Emma Kelty |
Centre for deaf babies launches pilot scheme
Sign language can help deaf children communicate before they can talk
THE only centre in London to teach babies under two British Sign Language (BSL) has opened in Swiss Cottage.
Teachers at the Frank Barnes School for Deaf children say the 0-2 Early Years Centre can stop babies crying because it gives them a way of expressing themselves using hand gestures.
Although the Harley Road school is likely to move to Somers Town to make way for a city academy, teachers have described the centre as a pilot and anticipate its success will lead to something bigger whether they move or not.
Although babies can already learn a basic form of hand gestures at other schools in London, this is the first time babies will be taught both English and BSL, the official language used by deaf people.
Mayor of Camden councillor Nurul Islam launched the centre on Thursday, alongside the deputy headteacher Emma Kelty.
Ms Kelty became involved in deaf education after a chance encounter during teacher training when she saw a teacher shout at a pupil. “That bloody deaf child can’t hear a word I say,” the teacher muttered after the child left.
“I said ‘Why don’t you sign?’
“It was a life-changing moment,” Ms Kelty said.
The centre helps babies learn how to express themselves before their voice boxes have developed and is popular with parents of both hearing and deaf children who want to understand their babies before they can talk.
“It’s quite emotional when parents see their baby cry,” she said, “but because we can give them the sign it cuts out that emotion and they can see what their baby wants.”
The centre used space that was formerly a corridor and was made possible by a £17,000 grant from the business, European Credit Management.
Its eight spaces available are not all yet taken.
Ms Kelty added: “It’s so new we’re piloting it and that will inform all the developments for our move. It’s fantastic.” |
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