Published: Wednesday, 12th November, 2008 2:54pm

MASTER OF THE MENUS

by Craig Winning

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A Cumnock Special School"s unique approach to healthy eating and living is attracting nationwide attention.

The Hillside Special School has developed an innovative project that includes interactive talking menu boards, as a way of promoting diet and awareness of food choices to children with special needs.

And now the school has been shortlisted by HMIe inspectors for a top award by the Association of Public Service Excellence.

The scheme has already been described as like something out of hit TV show "Dragon"s Den" and their approach is likely to be adopted all across East Ayrshire"s Special Schools as a result.

The boards allow pupils with complex learning difficulties to access food and menu choices whatever their mode of communication. This includes voice output, as well as photographs of food, symbols and Braille.

Head Teacher Jim McCaffery said: 'We"ve been delighted with how well the project has gone so far. Hopefully something similar can be developed elsewhere.'

FOR MORE SEE THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 12 EDITION