Northumberland Sensory Support Service (Low Incidence Needs Team, Education, SEND and Skills) are delighted to share that Bede Academy (Primary) in Blyth, has become the first school in the county to achieve the Northumberland Deaf Friendly Education Award. The accolade recognises schools and settings that go above and beyond to ensure deaf pupils have full access to learning and school life. The achievement reflects a commitment to inclusion, deaf awareness and creating a supportive environment in which every child can succeed.
Photo Caption: From L to R – Mrs Cooper (Assistant Vice Principal – SENDCo and DSL). Flynn Murray (Year 3 pupil at Bede Primary) and Ginny Parker (Lead Teacher of the Deaf, Northumberland Sensory Support)
Northumberland schools and educational settings now have access to a new framework designed to improve inclusion and accessibility for deaf learners, with the launch of the Northumberland Deaf Friendly Education Award in the Autumn Term 2026. Bede Academy (Primary) were a pilot school.
The award has been developed by Northumberland Sensory Support Service as a self-evaluation tool, enabling schools to reflect on their current practice and celebrate existing strengths while identifying areas for development. SENDCos and senior leadership teams can work in collaboration with specialist Sensory Support staff, to ensure a consistent and high-quality approach to supporting deaf pupils across the county.
The initiative aims to promote inclusive learning environments where deaf learners can thrive, reinforcing Northumberland’s commitment to equitable educational opportunities for all students.
Alongside the launch of the award, the well-established Learning Support Assistant (LSA) training programme, which is produced and delivered by Northumberland Sensory Support Service, will continue to play a key role in strengthening inclusive practice. This highly regarded programme, fully accredited by the AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, is unique to Northumberland and has already supported over 100 LSAs in achieving Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications.
For 2026, the LSA training programme has been revised and updated, ensuring participants are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to effectively support deaf learners in educational settings.
Together, the Deaf Friendly Education Award and the enhanced LSA training programme represent a significant step forward in improving accessibility, raising standards, and celebrating inclusive practice across Northumberland’s schools.
For further information about the award or the LSA training Programme, please contact Sensory.Support@northumberland.gov.uk.
