Response to National Union of Teacher's report on Special Schools
The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS ) has responded to the National Union of Teacher's report on Special schools by saying that we shouldn't lose sight of the children involved. The Society says that the debate should be focusing on what is right for these children, who all are individuals with varying needs and requirements and on the resources required to provide such support.
The National Deaf Children’s Society believes that all deaf children, regardless of how they communicate or what type of amplification or implant they may use, have a right to the same standard of education as hearing children. Some deaf children prosper in a special school, others thrive in their mainstream classes. Every child is unique.
Gwen Carr, Director of UK Services at NDCS says that rather than arguing the pros and cons of mainstream and special schools, we should be listening to what each child needs. A continuous provision is necessary in order to ensure effective inclusion for deaf children in terms of achievement, full participation and ‘quality of experience’ in the classroom, playground and after school activities.
The NDCS Deaf Friendly Schools Pledge can help schools and can be downloaded from www.ndcs.org.uk.
