A college which aims to provide an "outstanding, well-rounded" service for its deaf learners has won an award. 

Bolton College has won our Bolton News Education Award 2024 Special Provision of the Year Award, in association with Bolton Council. 

The college has been recognised for its D/deaf department, which supports 32 learners with varying communication needs across a wide range of subjects. 

Its service has developed in "various ways" over the last year, including the development of a D/deaf lunch club and a trip to Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, where learners met the first D/deaf employee at the club. 

The nomination, written by Bolton College's own Rachel Healey, one of the CSW coordinators at the department, highlighted the development of the service over the last year. 

She said: "Our aim is to provide an outstanding, well-rounded service from support in the classroom and promoting independence whilst giving learners new opportunities and access to their community and D/deaf identity." 

Read more: Bolton College brings star guest to celebrate 'rich tapestry' of deaf learners

Read more: College showcases range of 'inclusive, supportive' services for 'D/deaf' learners

 

Speaking to The Bolton News after being presented with the award, Rachel added: "It feels fantastic, it's lovely to be recognised and it's lovely to share what we do with others. 

"Over the years, there has been a deaf provision at Bolton College for over 35 years and there have been lots of passionate pupils that have been involved with the department and made it what it is today. 

"We're just happy to take it forward, take it further and do what we can for our learners and just give them the best experience possible."

Bill Webster, principal at Bolton College, said: "Bolton College has got a history of over 30 years of serving the D/deaf community and I have to say that in my career it has been one of the most important things I have been involved with. 

"I think that they are just an outstanding group and I am so pleased that this has been recognised, of (them) serving the Bolton community and Bolton deaf community. 

"They are an outstanding team and it has been a privilege working with them."