NDCS map shows local authorities failing to protect deaf children’s services

Figures released today by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) reveal that almost one in five local authorities across England have cut education services for vulnerable deaf children, despite the education budget being protected by the Government.

The extent of the swinging cuts to vital education services for deaf children have been uncovered by NDCS as it launches its Save Services for Deaf Children Campaign. Its campaign map shows cuts in 28 local authorities across England and highlights that a further 24 local authorities are at high risk of making cuts*. In some local authorities, cuts to frontline staff, such as specialist teachers, are as much as 50 per cent.

Despite being a legal requirement, 96 per cent of local authorities did not consult parents on the cuts.  NDCS faced resistance from local authorities to disclose cuts to services in their area and had to issue 45 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to obtain the data.

Susan Daniels OBE, Chief Executive of NDCS, says: “We are appalled at these widespread cuts to vital education services for deaf children across the country. It is unacceptable that it has fallen on charities and parents to find out about cuts to services for these vulnerable children and we are calling on the Secretary of State to launch an investigation and explain why frontline services are being cut from budget he said would be protected.

“The support being taken away is not an optional extra, it is absolutely crucial for deaf children’s learning and development, particularly as they are already underachieving compared to other children. We are so alarmed about the long-term impact of these cuts that we will support families in legally challenging reductions to services their child receives,” said Ms Daniels.

NDCS is encouraging people to post information on cuts in their area on the NDCS Save Services for Deaf Children Campaign map and join the campaign to protect services for deaf children: www.ndcs.org.uk/save Parents who are concerned about cuts to support for their deaf child can contact the NDCS freephone helpline on 0808 800 8880 (voice and text) or email helpline@ndcs.org.uk

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Source: NDCS

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