The child centred communication approach at Hamilton Lodge supports the development of both English and British Sign Language. Following the sad closure of Ovingdean Hall School last year seven of its pupils joined us. They are doing well here, evidence that our child centred approach caters well for children from different educational backgrounds.
Our Activity Day video gives you a flavour of the different communication methods used by our students – click here to watch it.
The structure and grammar of both English and BSL are taught. All pupils have the opportunity to take Level 1 & 2 in BSL. Within English particular emphasis is placed upon written language skills.
The Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) works with teaching staff and pupils in both Primary and Secondary. The SALT monitors pupils and advises staff on communication approaches, in addition to working with pupils directly.
We have a contract for support from Brighton & Hove’s Sensory Support Service. The Educational Audiologist hold three clinics a week in the school assessing hearing, taking impressions and testing and programming hearing aids. Each week a child’s hearing aids are checked by a trained adult, children with cochlear implants are managed in a similar way.
The Educational Audiologist and SALT work together with school and care staff to ensure that individual use of hearing and speech are encouraged when appropriate.
Welcome Video in BSL (British Sign Language)
Welcome Video in SSE (Sign Supported English) and subtitles
See more Hamilton Lodge Videos
