A NEW centre for the teaching of deaf children is now under construction in York with work scheduled for completion by next term.

The centre, which will specialise in teaching primary school-aged deaf children from the city, will be based at Hempland Primary School in Heworth.

Currently, some deaf children and young people living in York have to go to a school with specialist provision at Boston Spa. This new centre will ensure they can stay within the city and be taught in English and British Sign Language.

Cllr Jenny Brooks, executive member for education, children and young people, said: “I’m delighted that, with Hempland Primary School, a Centre for Deaf Children will open next term.

“It will benefit all pupils in this school, but most especially those deaf children who would otherwise have to travel beyond the city for the special education they need."

The Centre for Deaf Children at Hempland will cater for a core group of deaf children who will join the school roll. They will be taught the mainstream curriculum where appropriate, with support from specialist teachers and teaching assistants.

Deaf adults will also be on hand as specialist support staff on a voluntary basis, and there will be opportunities for speech and language therapists to provide support within the school.

The centre will also be an informal meeting point for deaf children, their families and teachers, with plans for early years’ groups, lunch clubs and Sing and Sign sessions.

Hempland Primary School was chosen to host the centre as it was identified by City of York Council as having the right location, environment and ethos.

The school will reopen after the summer holiday as usual, when all external construction should be complete. The centre is due to open after half term in October 2015.