THE senior leadership team at a Derby special school have made an emotional video in support of the families staying home to protect the NHS.
Staff from St Giles School, the city’s only special primary school, use Makaton – a language programme that uses signs and symbols with spoken words to encourage communication skills and to develop speech – to perform their own version of the classic song, Lean On Me.
Staff at St Giles School in Derby performed Lean On Me using Makaton
Makaton is a form of communication which is widely used at St Giles School, part of the Spencer Academy Trust of schools. It is also used by popular CBeebies character Mr Tumble.
Executive head teacher at St Giles, Clive Lawrence, said: “During the last few weeks, our leadership team have continued to do our weekly ‘safe and well’ phone calls to all 118 families of children here at St Giles.
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“In addition, the leadership team have also carried out wellbeing phone calls to all 65-plus members of staff, as it seems a long while since we have all worked together.
“It’s been nice to hear about all the fun things that many of our staff, pupils, parents and families have been getting up to. Many are choosing to make the most out of a very difficult situation.
“Sadly, some families have tragically lost loved ones. This is a very sad time for our community and our condolences are with them.
“We would like to thank, once again, the parents and carers for their continues support during this very difficult time and look forward to seeing them all very soon. It’s important that, as a strong school community, we remain united, supportive and understanding.”
The UK Government took the decision to close all schools in England on March 20 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, St Giles School – the city’s only special primary school – has been offering an alternative provision for its most vulnerable pupils and those whose parents or carers are classed as key workers.
ENDS
For further information please contact Kerry Ganly on 07734 723951 or email [email protected]
