Fears deaf children are left behind as ‘vital services’ face cuts in South Tyneside
Concerns have been raised that deaf children are being left behind due to cuts to education budgets.
The money available to teach deaf children in South Tyneside has been cut by more than £34,000 in just five years. And according to a leading charity, it means the pupils could be a whole grade behind their non-deaf peers by the time they take their GCSEs.
Alison Lawson, North East regional director at the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), said: “With the right services made available throughout their education, including effective technology and specialist teaching staff, every deaf child can reach their goals.
“However, Government data shows that on average, deaf children in the North East will fall a whole grade behind their classmates when they take their GCSEs. “Deaf children clearly require more support in our area, not less.
“It is crucial that local councils continue to fund these vital services to ensure that every deaf child in Sunderland and South Tyneside gets the best possible start in life.”
Read the full article on the Shields Gazette.