CHILDREN at a primary school learned Makaton and created an uplifting film for World Autism Awareness Day.

The youngsters at Braddock CofE Primary are filmed outdoors and in their classrooms singing I Love My Life (Robbie Williams) while signing.

Since it was posted on the school’s Facebook page, the film has had more than 36,000 views and has been shared all over the world, with words of praise most recently coming from Canada.

At Braddock, “autism really does matter,” explains headteacher Tom Riggs.

“One tenth of our school community either has a diagnosis of autism, or they display autistic tendencies.

“Our aim is to remove barriers, not just for these children, but for all children who may have a special educational need that prevents them accessing the education available to everyone.

“Our motto is ‘nurturing every talent’ and we hope that the video as well the creative activities alongside it, will demonstrate the unique and individual talents that we can all bring to school each and every day.” Introducing the film, head boy Caiden says that ‘autism is a developmental condition which affects the way people think and communicate.

“We’ve learned ways to interact with our autistic peers.

“Everyone is different, and that’s ok.”

Parent Janine Hards said: “My daughter has been learning Makaton and has really enjoyed it.

“The school have been incredible throughout the lockdowns and home learning, and this video further shows how compassionate, supportive and fun they are.”

Chair of governors Gemma Adams, who has been working with the pupils at Braddock, said: “The school has been working so hard to learn Makaton so they can be fully inclusive.

“The pupils have shown so much maturity in learning about neurological differences and the staff have shown how passionate and dedicated they are.

“The video is beautiful, it is an uplifting song and it’s exactly what we need at the moment.”