In a contentious move, local authorities have announced plans to close hearing impairment units at St Margaret’s Academy and Spires Academy, prompting significant public outcry. Councillor Nick Bye, Conservative, confirmed that they had commissioned 16 education health and care plan (EHCP) places. Yet today, there are only five children placed in those placements. Parents, teachers, and advocacy groups are speaking out against this deeply misguided decision. They’re concerned it may jeopardize go-to support services, especially for deaf children.
St Margaret’s Academy emphasized that the council’s decision only accounted for children with an EHCP, neglecting the fact that they support other hearing-impaired youngsters. The school’s leadership contended that without the proper resources, deaf children are in danger of being left behind in their education. These students can have a really hard time connecting with their classmates. This constant fight only leads to a decrease in self-esteem and overall confidence.
A leading UK children’s charity has decried the announcement to close the specialty units as “shocking.” Now, they are contemplating what their response to the council’s actions should be. The fibre charity echoed previous calls for better support for deaf children. This support is vital in fostering communities and spaces where they feel seen, heard, and safe.
The community’s response has been robust. A Change.org petition against the planned closures received over 1,600 signatures with strong community opposition. Fighting back A protest developed at the heart of Torquay immediately ahead of the council’s vote. This one-time event demonstrated the community’s deep and abiding commitment to fighting back against the improvements.
Felicity Morris, a transport planner for St Margaret’s Academy, condemned the council for leaving important stakeholders—like citizens and schools—on the outside of the decision making process. She stated, “Parents were not consulted. Qualified teachers of the deaf were excluded. The heads of both schools weren’t asked. They were just told.” Morris further remarked on the potential consequences of withdrawing specialist support, asserting that it is “not only morally wrong but legally risky.”
Councillor Bye, incredibly, had to defend the decision, and did so very passionately. Most importantly, he noted that it would not change the way they supported the children most impacted. He argued that the same amount of hearing-impaired children were going to other schools, thus implying that the resources would be no more scarce. “It’s absolutely a continuation of support, it’s no change to support, it’s just the way we’re funded,” he stated.
Morris took this narrative and turned it on its head. He implored the council to appreciate the special needs of deaf children who thrive in specialized settings. She implored, “Don’t close the doors on the only spaces where they are truly understood.”
