Signing provides common language

The school says sign language helps children to speak better English

A primary school in Brighton where children speak 24 different first languages is teaching them all sign language to help them communicate.

The 300 pupils at Fairlight Primary, in Brighton, are learning Makaton, a form of sign language which uses signs and symbols for objects and actions.

The Sussex school believes it helps all the children develop their understanding of English together.

Head teacher Damien Jordan said it also helped teachers communicate with them.

"This is an aid to help the children speak English and their own language as well," he said.

He said Makaton helped pupils focus and prepare for learning because they had to look at the person speaking to them to develop good "listening" skills.