Tom Cragg
Head of Client Success, MFL Consultant and Examiner, School Governor, former Head Teacher
What if a challenge you were deeply worried about turned into one of the most beautiful aspects of your school community?
During my recent visit to Boston West Academy, I had the privilege of speaking with Head Teacher Ceri Braybrook, who shared an inspiring journey about supporting two hearing-impaired pupils. What began as a daunting challenge has flourished into a remarkable success story of inclusion, growth, and creativity that has enriched the entire school community.
Meeting EHCP Needs with Compassion and Creativity
Ceri described how the school took proactive steps to ensure the needs of these pupils were met effectively:
✅ Specialist Staffing Provision: After consulting with the parents to gain an initial understanding of the pupils’ needs, Boston West Academy established specialist staffing support.
✅ Inclusive Learning Environment: The school went beyond providing 1-2-1 support for the pupils with EHCPs. The entire Year 2 class is being taught British Sign Language (BSL) so everyone can communicate with one another. I was amazed to see one of the Year 2 girls proudly demonstrating their ‘tricky words’ list using sign language!
✅ School-Wide Engagement: Laminated BSL cards have been put up around the school to encourage everyone to learn, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
✅ Performances with Purpose: Recent school musical performances have included both singing and signing, a heartwarming demonstration of inclusivity embraced by all.
What’s truly remarkable is how naturally signing has become part of everyday life at Boston West Academy. As Ceri shared this journey with me, she was even subconsciously using sign language along with her verbal explanation – proof of how much this experience has positively influenced the entire community.
The most rewarding part? The two hearing-impaired pupils are thriving, actively participating in lessons and engaging in social interactions with their peers. What once seemed like an intimidating challenge has indeed turned into a beautiful opportunity for growth and connection.
Keeping the Spirit of Lockdown Innovation Alive
Another unique aspect of Boston West Academy is their ‘Friday Achievement Assemblies’ – a cherished tradition that emerged during the lockdown era and continues to this day.
Every Friday, a whole school achievement assembly is held via Teams. Ceri joins the call from an iPad, supported by a team of Year 6 IT Technicians, as she visits each classroom to present the awards. This tour of the school is broadcast on the big screen in every classroom. The excitement and engagement from the children are evident, and they continue to talk about the assemblies days later.
This creative approach has helped maintain a sense of unity and celebration across the school, proving that sometimes the most meaningful practices are born out of challenging times.
A Heartfelt Thank You & Invitation
A huge thank you to Ceri and her team for their warmth and openness in sharing this inspiring journey. It’s stories like these that truly showcase how dedication, creativity, and a commitment to inclusion can transform the educational experience for everyone involved.
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