DEAF CHILDREN AND EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT

That this House is aware that the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) has recently launched a campaign to tackle educational underachievement by deaf children which, according to Government statistics showed, amongst other things, that only 32.9 per cent. of deaf children in England achieved five GCSEs at grades A to C against a national average of 57.1 per cent.; notes that deafness is not a learning disability but can, because of the lack of provision and support, cause some young people not fully to achieve their potential; calls upon the Government to develop a clear strategy for addressing this problem; and commends the NDCS for highlighting the need for action.