Mary Applauded by National Deaf Children's Society

The National Deaf Children's Society has thanked Wakefield MP Mary Creagh for her instrumental role in securing a new package of measures aimed at improving the lives of deaf children.   

Following Mary's meeting with Schools Secretary Ed Balls and the NDCS in September, the government announced on the 16th October that it will be a contractual requirement for all new secondary schools built under the Building Schools for the Future programme to be tested for their acoustics.  Local authorities will also have to demonstrate that their schools meet minimum standards and have passed acoustic testing.  

Brian Gale, Director of Policy and Campaign at NDCS said: "We are extremely grateful to Mary for supporting the campaign and helping to ensure that school buildings are fit for deaf children to learn in. I have no doubt that being able to point to support like this has helped us reach our breakthrough."

"Evidence shows that good acoustics can also help improve the learning and behaviour of all pupils, and reduce health problems for teachers. They are nothing less than essential for deaf children, the majority of whom are now being taught in mainstream schools. We welcome the Government's commitment to take action as a result of our Sounds Good? campaign to ensure new schools cater for the needs of deaf children."

Mary said: "I'm delighted that the Government has announced these measures to improve acoustics in schools, which will help deaf children realise their potential. I was pleased to support the NDCS campaign and I thank Schools Secretary Ed Balls for his decisive action on the issue."  

"There is a 42% achievement gap between deaf children and children who can hear. Yet deafness is a physical disability, not a hearing disability. These resources will help to close that gap."