The UK’s NDCS (National Deaf Childrens’ Society) campaigns for improved educational services on behalf of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Its “Must do better!” campaign identifies how routine teaching services for deaf children can be improved now, and in the government’s 2020 strategy.
From autumn 2009, as a result of campaigns by NDCS and other entities, the UK government will publish more data on specific educational needs, and by 2011, may consider publishing data by type of disability.
NDCS obtained UK government statistics on educational attainment by deaf children to GCSE level, from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, and published this data on May 19, 2009.
Transparent statistics and detailed reports are key to identifying where deaf children are most in need, and for assigning necessary teaching resources.
If these educational needs are not documented in the first place, how is a sustainable, national teaching strategy to be drafted?
Documenting where deaf & hard-of-hearing children are present:
- is a long-term investment as service need is immediately apparent
- allows age-appropriate service provision to be planned & delivered
- informs financial planning for educational and teaching resources
- facilitates preparation for transitions to the next educational level
- enables planning for school-leavers’ education & training activities
Ireland has some progress to make in this area, but the UK government is setting a good example by sharing some data with key entities like NDCS.
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