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New schools unfit for deaf children - Education - Children & Young People Now
The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) has warned that many new schools yet to be built will not be suitable for deaf children unless proper tests are conducted.
The charity is concerned that little progress has been made on a package of measures announced in October 2009 to improve acoustics in new schools. The measures were introduced following lobbying by NDCS to introduce mandatory acoustic testing in light of evidence that showed many schools were being built with acoustics not fit for purpose.
Brian Gale, director of policy and campaigns at NDCS, said: "Evidence shows good acoustics can 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 being taught in mainstream schools.
"We are concerned that no progress has been made to improve acoustics in the classroom. We are urging the government not to backtrack on commitments to ensure children can listen and learn effectively at school."
NDCS estimates an acoustic test costs around 0.01 per cent of the average cost of building a secondary school.
A spokesman for Partnerships for Schools, which is overseeing the Building Schools for the Future programme, said: "The current review of investment in schools includes an analysis of legislation, regulations and design standards affecting buildings, which includes standards of acoustic provision in new schools."
The review is expected to report at the end of this year and a consultation on proposals will follow.
The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) has warned that many new schools yet to be built will not be suitable for deaf children unless proper tests are conducted.
The charity is concerned that little progress has been made on a package of measures announced in October 2009 to improve acoustics in new schools. The measures were introduced following lobbying by NDCS to introduce mandatory acoustic testing in light of evidence that showed many schools were being built with acoustics not fit for purpose.
Brian Gale, director of policy and campaigns at NDCS, said: "Evidence shows good acoustics can 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 being taught in mainstream schools.
"We are concerned that no progress has been made to improve acoustics in the classroom. We are urging the government not to backtrack on commitments to ensure children can listen and learn effectively at school."
NDCS estimates an acoustic test costs around 0.01 per cent of the average cost of building a secondary school.
A spokesman for Partnerships for Schools, which is overseeing the Building Schools for the Future programme, said: "The current review of investment in schools includes an analysis of legislation, regulations and design standards affecting buildings, which includes standards of acoustic provision in new schools."
The review is expected to report at the end of this year and a consultation on proposals will follow.