Vision, Mission & Values

​We believe that:

• All members of the school and wider community are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity at all times.
• Pupil development is essential - each pupil brings a unique experience and perspective into the school community, which must be valued at all times.
• All Deaf pupils can learn, achieve and be responsible for their education, being an active partner in achieving their full potential.
• Deafness in itself is not a barrier or obstacle to learning - every pupil deserves to have the highest expectations for achievement.
• Deaf pupils have a fundamental human right to access the curriculum, and to communicate, and be understood, in the language of their choice - whether that is British Sign Language (BSL) or English (with or without Sign Supported English (SSE)) - enabling them to develop internalised language and effective thought processes.
• A pupil’s positive sense of identity is critical for achievement and success throughout their lives and the school should embrace cultural diversity, a spirit of learning, mutual caring and respect.
• Pupils need to be guided on how to make choices in their behaviour and be fully informed of the consequences and the effect they have on others.
• Families should be fully informed partners in the education and lives of their children.
• A strong partnership between the pupil, their family, school, other professionals, and wider Deaf and hearing communities is essential for maximum pupil development.
• Literacy, numeracy and IT skills are fundamental to lifelong success.
• The school curriculum should be broad, balanced, challenging, relevant and personalised in order to reflect the needs of each pupil and nurture a lifelong desire to learn.
• Following identification of a pupil’s deafness, the acquisition of language must begin as early as possible at home and in school.
• The exposure to both Deaf and hearing cultures will enrich lives of pupils and their families and enable them to develop strong lifelong identities.
• Every Deaf pupil has the right to access and benefit from audiological services, equipment and facilities of the highest quality.
• Every pupil has a right to develop their speech and language skills to the best of their ability to prepare them for communication with both hearing and other Deaf people.
• Using technology is integral to Deaf pupils’ access to information and communication.