Gomes, who has opened the Joao Gomes Institute, a charity supporting people with similar speech issues in his home country of Brazil, visited pupils at the school’s dedicated Deaf Resource Base and also took part in activities in the school hall.
“The impact of the visit was clear with children who often find communication challenging visibly more engaged and confident, asking questions and interacting positively with João,” Varty said.
“We were delighted to welcome Joao to Warstones and it was such an amazing session with Tom and the Foundation,” Emma Bayliss, assistant head teacher, said.
“Tom’s work with our pupils over the last term has made a real difference and had a positive impact on their self-esteem, supporting them to build confidence in their communication.
“For the pupils to then get the chance to meet Joao – who was so brilliant in the way he communicated with them – was such a memorable experience and genuinely brought a tear to my eye.”