All 48 children and staff at Lamerton Church of England Primary School near Tavistock, Devon, have learned sign language in order to help their new deaf pupil, 4-year-old Olivia Dillon.

Olivia has a cochlear implant which gives her partial hearing and she is starting to learn a few words. However, her main form of communication is still through British Sign Language (BSL) so this is what the pupils and staff chose to learn.

Teachers, pupils and even the dinner lady have been attendng sign language classes for the last 18 months so that Olivia could join her sister and friends from her local playgroup at their village school.

Head Teacher Anne Mitchell is particularly proud of the staff who volunteered to study at adult evening clasees in their own time. She says: "Olivia has settled in well and has become a real part of the school. I have been delighted with her progress."