Local school enhances communication with interactive signage

Ridgeway is a primary special school for children with complex needs aged 2 - 11 years. Many of the children experience difficulties with communication, therefore objects of reference provide a valuable tool to support the children's understanding of what is going to happen. The Warwick signage specialist was contracted to complete 37 unique interactive signs to encourage and help children understand and identify the different classrooms, with different objects being attached to each sign. These objects of reference were chosen according to their particular significance and relevance for the children, for example a teddy bear for Nursery, a blue colour paddle for Blue group and a spoon to represent lunchtime in the hall. Lynne Davidson, assistant head teacher at the school commented; 'We approached Signs Express who produced and fitted the appropriate signage with accompanying widgit symbols and objects of reference. Attaching some of our objects of reference proved quite a challenge but they rose to the occasion.' Lynne continues; 'The children, as expected, were initially very interested in the new signage and objects of reference and, as expected, even managed to dislodge a few! Signs Express continued to support us by returning to bring additional hooks and even to reattach those that had been dislodged. It's a delight to see children confidently using the objects of reference to move to different locations within the school and showing excitement as they arrive at the appropriate location, showing their object of reference to match as 'the same'. Thank you Signs Express.' Managing Director of Signs Express Warwick, Andrew Slater commented; 'We have supplied many schools with specialist door signs in the past, however, the challenge here was to incorporate previous designs with the task of attaching objects to the signs. After a little bit of deliberation, we came up with a solution and I think the finished signs look great and do the job intended.' Based in Budbrooke Road Industrial Estate in Warwick and a member of the British Sign & Graphics Association. Signs Express provides a complete design, manufacture and installation service for all forms of signage including interior and exterior signs, vehicle graphics, exhibition and display products, window graphics and health and safety signage for businesses in and around the surrounding area.