New acoustic pod supports inclusive early years learning
- A new acoustic pod has been installed at Little Buttons Preschool to support deaf children by reducing background noise
- The initiative resulted from joint working between the States Early Years Team and the Sensory Support Service
- Funding was provided by the Guernsey Deaf Children's Society to enable the dedicated learning environment
- The pod reduces ambient noise levels and accommodates adults standing for one-to-one and small group sessions
- It has been gifted to the States Early Years Team and can be moved to other preschools and nurseries across Guernsey when needed
A new acoustic pod has been installed at Little Buttons Preschool to create a quieter, more supportive learning environment for deaf children.
The initiative is the result of joint working between the States Early Years Team and the Sensory Support Service. Following specialist advice, it was recommended that a child with a hearing loss at the preschool would benefit from access to a quieter, calmer space for focused play, book sharing, learning and interacting with friends and adults.
Funding for the acoustic pod was provided by the Guernsey Deaf Children's Society, enabling the preschool to introduce a dedicated environment for one-to-one and small group sessions that reduces background noise and supports communication.
The acoustic pod has now been installed and is already making a positive difference to the child's preschool experience. The design of the pod reduces ambient noise levels from the wider room, helping anyone inside the pod to better hear and understand each other.
The pod is a calm and relaxing space for focused learning and conversations, whilst also being tall enough to accommodate adults standing.
It has been gifted to the States Early Years Team, meaning it can be moved and used in other preschools and nurseries across Guernsey when needed.
Emma Fraser, head of the States' Sensory Support Services, said: "Pre-schools can be busy, noisy places. For children with hearing loss, high levels of background noise make it much harder for young children to hear speech and interact with friends and adults. A quiet space like this allows children to confidently access language, play and learning. It's a fantastic example of how small environmental changes can make a big difference to inclusion."
Leonie Burrows, a representative from Guernsey Deaf Children's Society, said: "The aim of the Guernsey Deaf Children's Society is to support all children with a hearing loss by organising events for the children and funding specialist equipment. The charity fully understands the importance of young children being able to access language in a quieter environment, we were delighted to be able to fund the acoustic pod to be used at Little Buttons Preschool."
Heidi de Mouilpied, manager at Little Buttons Preschool, said: "We are passionate about creating spaces where every child feels supported to take part. The pod gives us a calm area where we can spend focused time with children, supporting listening, language and play. It's wonderful to see how it helps children feel more confident and engaged."
Q&A
Q: What is the purpose of the acoustic pod?
A: The acoustic pod creates a quieter, calmer space for focused play, book sharing, learning and interaction, specifically designed to reduce background noise for children with hearing loss.
Q: Who funded the acoustic pod?
A: The Guernsey Deaf Children's Society provided the funding for the acoustic pod at Little Buttons Preschool.
Q: Can the acoustic pod be used at other settings?
A: Yes, the pod has been gifted to the States Early Years Team, meaning it can be moved and used in other preschools and nurseries across Guernsey when needed.
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