Gateshead girl writes to Prime Minister asking for sign language to be introduced in schools
9-year-old Skylaa Mulligan says that it is important British Sign Language is taught to all children
A 9-year-old Gateshead girl has written to the Prime Minister asking for British Sign Language to be introduced into all schools.
She says that it is unfair how children do not learn about sign language and hopes her views are taken on board.
Skylaa Mulligan tells us she received a response from Downing Street who have passed it onto the Department for Education.
She said: "I was shocked and happy that he acknowledged my letter and I'm pleased they have forwarded it to the relevant department.
"I really hope that my points and views are taken on board as I feel like in mainstream schools BSL should be taught.
"It's very important so we can communicate or help communicate with the deaf community or children with delayed speech, non-verbal or autistic children.
"I just want to know why we don't learn sign language as part of the school curriculum as I feel like we should be taught it."
Her mum, Lisa Mulligan Shaw, said: "I am absolutely bursting with pride and really, really proud of Skylaa. She should be incredibly proud of herself.
"I honestly really hope something good comes of this and that Skylaa has made a small difference.
"She is a very head strong little girl and she will always stand up for what she believes in."