A nursery has become the first in the borough to receive “Makaton friendly status”.

Laurel Way Playgroup, north Finchley, was awarded Makaton friendly status this week as an organisation striving to make the sign language accessible to children and adults.

More than 100,000 children and adults use the sign and symbol language in the UK and for children who struggle to express themselves, using signing can help increase their self-esteem as an aid to speech.

Laurel Way teacher and Makaton tutor Kathleen O’Shea said: “At Laurel Way Playgroup we are passionate about communication and believe that those with a learning or communication difficulty should be able to access the same services and facilities as everyone else.”

The nursery will now extend the language to other children in the area with free taster sessions offered this term.

Contact Charlotte Frost at lwplaygroup@gmail.com for further information on these sessions.