EDUCATION experts and healthcare professionals from Hampshire, West Sussex, and Surrey came together at Rake Primary School to watch the Oscar winning short film The Silent Child and meet the people who made it.

The film focuses on the life of a profoundly deaf four-year-old girl who lives in a world of silence until a caring social worker teaches her how to communicate.

During the day, screenwriter and actress Rachel Shenton and director Chris Overton discussed with guests how professionals could improve the provision for the silent children within schools.

In addition to the screening Rachel and Chris also met Class 3 pupils, to answer questions about film making, acting and Hollywood to help with their class topic, ‘Lights, Camera, Action’.

Steph Heasman, of London Voice Boutique, lives near the school and represents Rachel and Chris for voiceover work. She said: “The day was a great success and it was so rewarding to see the wide spectrum of people invited to the event by headteacher David Bertwhistle.

“Rachel and Chris are committed to making a difference through education and this fits extremely well with the inclusive ethos of Rake School.”

To round the day off Mr Bertwhistle was pictured holding the Oscar with Steph, Chris and Rachel.