More Than Words: The Power of Signs at Witham Prospect School
On September 23rd, we celebrate International Day of Sign Languages, and it’s the perfect time to highlight the incredible role that signs play in our school every single day. At Witham Prospect School, we know that communication goes beyond spoken words. For many of our children and young people, signs are their voice, and they are a vital tool for connection, understanding, and independence.
We use a range of sign systems, from Sign Language to PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), and they are embedded in every aspect of our curriculum. By using signs, we can help our young people to express their wants and needs, share their feelings, and build meaningful relationships with both staff and peers. This approach is key to our core principles, especially Communication and Interaction. Signs provide a clear, visual way to get a message across, which drastically reduces frustration and helps our children feel heard and understood.
Our commitment to signing is a reflection of our person-centred approach. We celebrate that everyone communicates differently, and we adapt our methods to suit each individual. By embracing signs, we are not only teaching a skill; we are building a bridge between our children and young people, and the world around them. It’s a powerful tool that helps our young people to feel confident, valued, and empowered to express themselves.
So, on this special day, we want to celebrate the power of signs and the incredible progress our young people make every day. They show us that with a little understanding and the right tools, there are no limits to what they can say.