Close the Gap
Too many deaf children across in Wales are underachieving in schools, compared to their hearing peers. We need to close the gap.
In 2008, deaf children in Wales were 30% less likely to achieve 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C than their hearing peers. Statistics also demonstrate that there have been significant attainment gaps at every Key Stage level for the past three years. Deafness is not a learning disability and there is no reason why a deaf child cannot achieve the same as their hearing peers, provided that they are given appropriate support.
NDCS recognises that much hard work is being done to support deaf children in their studies, but more action is needed. That is why NDCS has launched a UK-wide campaign to Close the Gap in attainment.
View a summary of our Close the Gap campaign in British Sign Language (BSL) >
Take Action
You can help! Please contact your local Assembly Members (AMs) and ask them to support the campaign – it’s easy, just click on the link below and follow the steps.
Thank you!
Top'Must do better!' campaign report
NDCS has launched a UK-wide report, Must Do Better!, which sets out the barriers that are holding deaf children back from achieving their full potential.
1842kbClosing the Gap in Wales
NDCS Cymru has been focusing on some specific issues in Wales.
- Teachers of the deaf
The Welsh Assembly Government's funding programme to train more teachers of the deaf has now come to an end. NDCS Cymru is calling on the Assembly to take further action to ensure that we have enough teachers of the deaf to give deaf children in Wales the support they deserve. - Estyn inspections
NDCS Cymru believes that Estyn inspectors have a key role to play in ensuring that deaf children are getting the support they need to reach their full potential. We want Estyn to commit to train all inspectors in deaf awareness and to produce guidance for inspecting schools with deaf children on roll. - School acoustics
Many deaf children cannot achieve if they can't listen and learn effectively in the classroom. NDCS Cymru is campaigning for better acoustics in schools. - Statementing
The Welsh Assembly Government is currently reviewing the statementing system. NDCS Cymru wants to make sure that any changes to the system work for deaf children and young people.
Latest news
5 November 2009
We need your help to encourage even more politicians to back the Close the Gap campaign!
Read more>
16 October 2009
NDCS Cymru has obtained new statistics, which reveal that many deaf children in Wales are not reaching their full potential.
Read more>
10 July 2009
NDCS Cymru present deaf awareness session to SEN Estyn inspectors.
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29 June 2009
NDCS Cymru urges WAG to ensure that language lessons are accessible for deaf children.
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24 June 2009
Exams need to be accessible, NDCS tells Government.
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5 June 2009
Children set to take their own cases to Tribunal
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7 May 2009
WAG reveals pilot sites for statementing review
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22 April 2009
NDCS responds to consultation on school inspections
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19 January 2009
NDCS Cymru talks to Estyn about school inspections
Read more >
Contact us
You can help us to show the Welsh Assembly Government why action is needed by telling us about your experiences of education in Wales. Real life stories help to show decision makers why changes are needed.
You can also email us at campaigns.wales@ndcs.org.uk, or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
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