Pupils and staff at Eastbury Community School's Deaf Additional Resource Provision (ARP) in Barking are celebrating after being nominated in the category 'Alternative Provision School of the Year' at the 2021 TES Schools Awards.
The TES Schools Awards celebrate the most outstanding individuals and institutions that the education sector has to offer.
If Eastbury wins the award, they will also be considered for the 'Overall School of the Year' category, announced as the finale to the online awards ceremony.
The Deaf ARP provides pupils with comprehensive support, from providing education into deaf culture and history to supporting language, cognitive and academic development. Staff work closely with young people and their families to help them achieve the best they can, both now and in the future.
Executive Headteacher, David Dickson, said: "Myself and the governors are extremely pleased that our Deaf ARP has received long-overdue national recognition for their innovative and ground-breaking work.
"The ARP staff are an amazing group of talented, dedicated and caring professionals who work tirelessly in the best interests of deaf children.
"They are worthy winners for this prestigious award, and we are looking forward to attending the virtual awards on Friday 25 June."
Throughout recent lockdowns, staff in the ARP thought quickly and creatively to find solutions that allowed the best access for learners using systems not designed with interpretation and deaf pupils in mind.
Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for School Improvement and Educational Attainment, said: "I am delighted with the news that Eastbury Community School’s Deaf ARP has been shortlisted for the TES Awards 2021.
"This is a well-deserved accolade and recognition for the outstanding work of teachers, communicators, teaching assistants and all staff in this inclusive school, where every pupil is inspired to achieve their best and fulfil their dreams."
The Deaf ARP's other awards and achievements over the past year include winning competitions organised by the Royal Horticultural Society and the Royal Association for the Deaf and filming at The Globe Theatre as part of 'Christmas at the (Snow) Globe'.
Eastbury's ARP has also received praise for its outstanding facilities and the contribution that its specialist staff make to the community of deaf education and the world of academia.
TES editor, John Severs, said: "It's more important this year than ever before to celebrate the fantastic work schools do because in the past 12 months they have gone above and beyond to ensure pupils were able to be educated and be kept safe in extraordinary circumstances.
"We are looking forward to showcasing, as we do every year, just how vital our education professionals are to every facet of this country."