Stuart GouldenThe Sure Start centre in Acomb have stopped children from making a ‘diamond’ star sign when reciting Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – to avoid offending deaf people.
As reported by The Telegraph, Sure Start and City of York Council, which runs the centre, have been accused of an “overreaction” and “political correctness” over the decision. The decision was made on the back of staff members taking part in a course to learn Makaton sign language rather than a complaint from one of the 100,000 people in Britain using the sign langage or parents of any of the children attending Sure Start. Whilst it is honourable that the course had been undertaken in the first place, many have voiced their bemusement at the ban.
Sign language experts said that people who use Makaton or British Sign Language would not misinterpret the meaning as it depends on context.
Lysa Schwartz, chief executive of the Makaton charity which helps people to use the system said: “Makaton sign language when used appropriately is not offensive.”
In the new guidelines, children are told to make a diamond shape with their hands above their head rather than at waist height.
What do you make of the decision? Let us know below.
