Bede Academy (Primary) in Blyth has become the first school in the county to achieve the Northumberland Deaf Friendly Education Award.

The accolade recognises schools and settings that go above and beyond to ensure deaf pupils have full access to learning and school life.

Year 3 pupil Flynn Murray was the student representing the school at the presentation.

His dad, Marc Murray, said: “Having staff in school who understand our son’s hearing needs and how to use their equipment makes a huge difference to their access and experience in school.

From left, Helen Cooper, Flynn Murray and Ginny Parker.

placeholder image — From left, Helen Cooper, Flynn Murray and Ginny Parker.

“It's reassuring as parents to know that there are trained staff who can troubleshoot, support and liaise with the teachers of the deaf to ensure our children’s hearing needs are met.”

The award has been developed by Northumberland Sensory Support Service as a self-evaluation tool, enabling schools to reflect on their current practice and celebrate existing strengths while identifying areas for development.

SENDCos and senior leadership teams can work in collaboration with specialist sensory support staff to ensure a consistent and high-quality approach to supporting deaf pupils across the county.

Head of school Robbie Burns and Helen Cooper, assistant vice principal – SENDCo and DSL – said: “We have found the advice and support provided by the sensory support team has been invaluable in enhancing our knowledge and provision for students who are hearing impaired.

“They have worked with a variety of teachers and support staff to develop their expertise throughout the school.”

Alongside the launch of the award, the well-established Learning Support Assistant (LSA) training programme, which is produced and delivered by Northumberland Sensory Support Service, will continue to play a key role in strengthening inclusive practice.

This highly regarded programme, fully accredited by the AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, is unique to Northumberland and has already supported more than 100 LSAs in achieving Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications.

Ginny Parker, lead teacher of the deaf, Northumberland Sensory Support Service, said: “I have been working with Bede Academy (Primary) as a visiting teacher of the deaf over several years now.

“As a service, we are keen to celebrate the schools who work closely with us to make sure that deaf children are fully included and can thrive in their local school.

“An important element of this is upskilling staff through training, especially our accredited training for support staff. LSA Mrs Watson completed Level 3 accredited training with us in 2023.

“The knowledge and understanding she gained from the course has been pivotal in providing a high level of support to the wider staff and the deaf pupils who attend Bede Academy (Primary).”