Deaf children in Yorkshire are likely to get worse GCSEs than their hearing peers when results come in on Thursday, a charity has said.
With thousands of teenagers getting their results this week, the National Deaf Children’s Society has complained that deaf children in Yorkshire aren’t getting enough support.
The latest figures show deaf youngsters are falling a whole grade behind.
The society is urging the Government, local authorities and health bodies to take action to close the GCSE attainment gap between deaf and hearing children.
Kirklees has not been highlighted, but the charity is particularly worried about deaf children in Bradford following council proposals to charge schools for specialist support services.
Concerns have also been raised about Wakefield’s services after a poor reports from health and education watchdogs.
Alison Lawson, regional director for the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Deafness is not a learning disability.
“With the right support, there’s no reason deaf children can’t achieve the same things as their hearing friends.
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“Sadly, this data suggests they’re not getting that support.”
A Bradford Council spokesman said: “The council is not planning to cut our provision or support services for deaf children and those with hearing impairment. Provision and support will continue to be funded at a high level. We are consulting on proposals which would see some of this cost met from school budgets. This will help ensure these services remain sustainable for the future.”
For more information visit ndcs.org.uk