Liverpool’s visually and hearing impaired students honoured for outstanding achievement
Exceptional children from schools across Liverpool have been recognised for their hard work and dedication as part of Liverpool City Council’s Sensory Service Awards.
The annual accolades are presented to young people who are visually and hearing impaired and have overcome the barriers they face to make great progress in mainstream schools.
Some have been recognised for their academic achievement, others for their personal development and growing confidence and all have been acknowledged for their determination to do well.
The awards ceremony was held at St George’s Hall and guests of honour included Liverpool City Council Cabinet Member for Education Cllr Barbara Murray and Director of Children and Young People’s Services, Steve Reddy.
A total of eight young people received awards on the evening for a range of achievements. One of those honoured was visually impaired student Bethany Fowler from St Edward’s College, who achieved five GCSEs in this year’s exams.
Director of Children and Young People’s Services, Steve Reddy said: “Our approach is focussed on supporting children wherever possible to attend their local mainstream school. The awards are a celebration which recognises excellent progress. They are also part of our strategy to promote independence through ensuring our young people have the skills, qualifications and confidence to prepare them for a successful adulthood.”
The council’s sensory service operates in every school in the city. It provides specialist teachers and learning support assistants to work with the young people and provide a package of support tailored to their specific needs.
There are currently 112 visually impaired and 275 hearing impaired children being supported by the team in mainstream schools in Liverpool.
Cllr Murray said: “It’s a real honour to recognise the achievements of these remarkable young people and to share in their success. Not only have the students done themselves and their families proud, they are also acting as an inspiration to others.”
“We must also pay tribute to the great work of the sensory support services and the officers who have worked with the students and encouraged them to perform at their best. This is a fantastic team effort that is producing outstanding results for our young people.”
PHOTO: Pictured, from left are: Jamie Wheelan from Broadgreen International School, who won the award for significant progress in all subject areas, Cllr Barbara Murray, Jakob Olach from Broadgreen County Primary School, who won an award for his growing confidence and independence, Michael Lawrence from Heygreen Community Primary for his progress in language and learning, Ashlyn Chiong from St Nicholas Catholic Primary for using specialist equipment to access the curriculum, Isabelle Harlow Brooke from LIPA Primary School for developing tactile skills, Bethany Fowler from St Edward’s College for achieving five GCSEs, Keziah Pattison from Childwall CE Primary School for exceptional Key Stage 1 results, Faye Nuttall from Longmoor Community Primary School for outstanding Key Stage 2 results and Director of Children and Young People’s Services Steve Reddy.
