Children from Partou Ladybirds Day Nursery and Pre-school in Leeds kept a cherished Christmas tradition alive by delivering a full festive concert in British Sign Language (BSL).
With support from staff, they performed a series of seasonal favourites to a full congregation at St Oswald’s Church in Methley, signing each song in BSL as they sang.
“A few years ago, a child with a hearing impairment joined the nursery,” Leanne Cox, Partou Ladybirds Nursery Manager, explained.
“The team started using BSL to support her and soon began to understand how powerful it could be in helping her to build confidence, establish friendships and feel fully included in everything going on.
“Other children with hearing impairments joined over time and BSL has now become part of everyday life at Ladybirds with lots of other children at the nursery giving it a go to help their friends.
“Such was the enthusiasm and level of participation that we decided to host a special Christmas concert with the children performing every song in BSL as well as singing. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator signed at the front so a hearing-impaired family in attendance could follow along.
“The success of that initial venture has led to the BSL concert becoming a Christmas tradition which was repeated again this year when the children performed in St Oswald’s Church in Methley, right next door to the nursery itself.”
Leanne added:
“Thank you to everyone who attended this magical event. The children were so excited to show off all their hard work.”
Earlier this year, Partou Ladybirds received an award after being rated one of the top 20 nurseries in Yorkshire and Humber by leading reviews site daynurseries.co.uk.
Located in Church Side, the setting welcomes children up to the age of five from across the local community.
Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said:
“Leanne and her team have established a thoroughly deserved reputation for excellence.
“The Christmas concert where the children demonstrate their knowledge of BSL has become a key date in the calendar which everyone looks forward to.
“Congratulations to them all for a memorable performance.”
