THE row over the amount of teaching resources being provided for deaf children in Kirklees will get a fresh airing today.

The National Deaf Children’s Society is fearful children could be at risk of failing at school once cuts kick in – with the number of Teachers of the Deaf being reduced by a third.

The society says there are 235 deaf children in the borough and their families need more support not less.

In September a petition was presented to the council by the society’s Kirklees branch.

It called on the council to halt plans to cut services for deaf children and asked for an assessment to be carried out on what these changes would mean for every deaf child.

The issue will be discussed by members of the overview and scrutiny management committee.

A council spokesman said: “Our staffing levels for children with a hearing impairment, including screening for new born babies and pre-school children, will still meet local need.

“The support and teaching for children with a hearing impairment has always been of a high standard and this will continue to be the case.

The number of Teachers of the Deaf is being reduced by 3.8 posts (from 10.3 to 6.5) because demand has fallen.

“We currently have 44 specialist places available for children with a hearing impairment, but only 20 of these are taken.

“The number of places is being reduced to reflect the fall in demand and it is logical – and also the best use of resources – if a smaller number of places brings a smaller number of staff.

“There are no cuts to Special Educational Needs – this is a reorganisation and our services are being tailored to individual children.”