Plans to make school inclusive for deaf pupils
PURPOSE-BUILT FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED ON-SITE
EXCITEMENT is building up over plans to extend a school to provide education for deaf children.
A planning application has been submitted to provide additional space for pupils enrolled at the Mellers Primary and Nursery School in Norton Street, Radford.
The will include a two-storey rear extension to provide two classrooms, group rooms and a new internal stair core.
The proposal was received by the local planning committee on October 7, and is now awaiting consideration.
Parents say they are excited about the planned project, and have praised the efforts of the school to make it accessible to “all children”.
Cleaner Launa Burks, also the mother of two children who attend Mellers School, said: “I think it is brilliant, especially for the children who have learning difficulties, but for the other children as well.
“They learn the sign language at school – all children can benefit from that.”
The 31-year-old added: “One of my daughters has Tourettes syndrome, and the school has always been great.
“I think it is one of the best schools in the city – I would not send my children to any other school.”
Another parent said that Mellers “has always been one of the best” and said that the staff and pupils “are like a family”.
Lash technician Rebecca Varcianna,
32, added: “I went to the same school and now my son goes to Mellers.
“Even if I have moved out of Radford – I think it is the best school in the city.
“My son knows sign language. He knows how to say his name and other words.
“The staff and children are like a family – everyone is so friendly.”
Rebecca’s mum, Pamela Varcianna, added: “I sent my child to this school and now my grandchild is going to the same school – we just love it.
“The staff are so friendly, and the teachers are great.
“It is brilliant that it is so inclusive to all children.”
The 59-year-old, also a supermarket manager in Radford, added: “And the teaching is very good here.
“I would say that it is definitely one of the best.”
Amanda Dawson, head teacher at the Mellers Primary and Nursery School, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to have welcomed the Nottingham Focus Provision for Deaf Pupils to Mellers in September.
“The staff and children have settled into our school remarkably well; it’s as if they have always been here with us! We’re all learning British Sign Language, which is fabulous!
“The pupils are currently in temporary accommodation on the school site whilst the plans are drawn up for a wonderful, purpose-built unit for the deaf pupils.
“This includes two classrooms and two group rooms with state-of-the-art technology to support their learning.
“The new building will be attached to our recently built Key Stage 2 building, matching it exactly, so it will look as though it was part of the original build. It should be completed by late spring.“
It is brilliant that it is so inclusive to all the children.
Rebecca Varcianna, parent