AN entire West Devon school has taken the decision to learn sign language ? so they can communicate with a profoundly deaf new pupil. Four-year-old Olivia Dillon joined Lamerton Primary School this term. Although she has had a cochlea implant and is beginning to say a few words, her main method of communication is through British Sign Language. All pupils at Lamerton have been having weekly sign lessons with a tutor from the British Deaf Association, while teachers, staff, parents and other members of the community are studying at evening classes. Ann Mitchell, headteacher at Lamerton, said: ?Olivia?s sister was already here and her mum and dad wanted her to come to the village school too, so we knew 18 months ago we would be having a profoundly deaf pupil starting this year. ?I have been delighted with Olivia?s progress ? she has settled in well and become a real part of the school ? and she is communicating well.? Mrs Mitchell said the children at Lamerton have been enthusiastic about learning sign language. ?It?s strange to look out of the window and watch them signing in the playground ? some of the young ones have picked it up really quickly and I?ve been told some of them sign at home, forgetting they don?t need to ? it?s been very successful altogether,? she said. Linda Pearce, Olivia?s class teacher, said staff at Lamerton had all been happy to learn sign language. ?Olivia can sign so well that it?s quite easy to communicate with her,? she said. ?The other children have all taken to her and she plays happily with them ? they enjoy trying to communicate with her. ?I think it?s good for the other children. It broadens their horizons and they realise that people are not all the same.? Seven-year-old Philippa May Somerville, one of Olivia?s classmates, said she enjoyed the sign language lessons. ?You can talk more to Olivia every time you have a lesson. She sometimes does signs I can?t really understand, but the more you learn, the better you can talk to Livvy,? said Philippa. Helen Dillon, Olivia?s mum, said she and her family were ?overwhelmed? by the commitment and support shown by the whole school. Mrs Dillon said: ?It was important to us that Olivia attended school with her older sister and the friends she made at playgroup. ?Ann Mitchell and Linda Pearce have been positive and encouraging right from the start. ?Although she has only been at school for a couple of weeks, Olivia has made tremendous progress in all areas.? John Smith, Devon County Council?s executive member for children?s services, paid tribute to children and staff at Lamerton. Mr Smith said: ?They are all setting a tremendous example and I can only commend their efforts to ensure Olivia feels at home and is able to enjoy school life to the full. ?This is a tremendous example of how our schools can include pupils such as Olivia with the right support and advice. ?It is also an excellent preparation for life for the other pupils, to see how people can overcome such difficulties and lead full lives.?
