Hebden Green teacher inspires children through her passion for music

Vicky Jordan, who teaches music at Hebden Green School in Winsford, has been recording video lessons for profoundly disabled young people across the country.

The accomplished musician was chosen as one of only 12 language and communication teachers to volunteer for the Oak National Academy.

Throughout lockdown she has been using her skills to capture the imagination of pupils who often find it difficult to communicate.

Vicky uses her musical skills to inspire profoundly disabled children

"It has been a joy to hear that families, schools and trainee teachers have benefitted from my language and communication videos when working with learners with complex needs," said Vicky, from Knutsford, who has been working tirelessly to plan, create and film 30 videos to share and benefit children with learning needs.

"I am passionate about using music to engage young people with learning difficulties at Hebden Green School and these videos have been an opportunity to share my ideas nationally."

Imaginative Vicky has introduced students to music and sound through songs about everyday things like food, feelings and animals.

Students have been encouraged to touch, smell and taste food, exploring different textures, all through song.

Vicky's lessons have also explored emotions showing how music can reflect anger, sadness and happiness.

Vicky plays the keyboard as well as the violin in her video lessons

Parents and carers have been shown how to share and copy her approach with their children as she stops and starts the video to stimulate a response.

"I have received some really nice feedback from families," said Vicky, who plays a selection of instruments including keyboard, guitar, ukulele and African drums. "Some mums said their children were beaming when they heard me playing and singing."

Vicky has been recording video lessons at home throughout lockdown to help profoundly disabled children and their families

After working at Hebden Green for 17 years, Vicky has developed unique ways to encourage profoundly disabled children to communicate to her through their own personal tiny signs.

"It is musical empowerment," said Vicky. "They find ways they can communicate that can be so subtle it might just be an eye flicker. But for them to make a choice of whether I play music fast or slow is incredible.

"Music unlocks, I love idea I can empower them and make them feel they can impact on what happens musically. It is amazing."

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Vicky, who has been home schooling her own two daughters during lockdown, gained a violin diploma at London Trinity College.

"I started out in mainstream education but observed someone doing a lesson in a special school early on and decided this is what I want to do. It is all I have ever done since. It is a privilege."

Around four million people across the UK accessed the academy's programme and 14 million lessons were delivered. The project has been hailed such a success, it is going to continue.

Vicky wants to say a special thank you to primary school teacher Matt Bernal who has been editing and creating all her videos and providing technical support.

Vicky wants to say a special thank you to Matt Bernal who edited and created all her videos

"I am so grateful to Alison Ashley, my headteacher and the governors at Hebden Green for supporting me with this opportunity," said Vicky."It is brilliant that Oak National Academy will continue to support schools and families throughout next academic year."