Following the release of figures which demonstrate deaf school pupils across Wales underachieve at every key stage and face being left behind without urgent action, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Darren Millar AM, has said:
“These figures are completely unacceptable and expose the failure of the Welsh Government to heed the warnings from four years ago.
“There is simply no excuse for the lack of support provided to deaf pupils and this is yet another set of figures which reinforces the need for the Additional Learning Needs Bill.
“All children, regardless of background, should have the opportunity of a first-class education but sadly in Wales pupils from all walks of life are continually left behind.
“The Cabinet Secretary needs to get a grip on the Welsh education system and ensure the necessary support and improvements are put in place before another generation is left behind.”
Notes to editors:
The figures come as organisations across the UK mark Deaf Awareness Week, which runs from 15 to 21 May.
The latest Welsh Government figures suggest the attainment gap widened again at GCSE level – the BBC report and latest figures can be found here.
