We believe that all deaf children have the right to an education that will enable them to realise their full potential and leave school with academic, practical, social and communication skills equal to their hearing peers, well equipped to face the challenges of further education and adult life.

We believe one of the key factors to deaf children obtaining a good education is by ensuring that they have full linguistic access in their education setting whatever their chosen communication method/language.

In Scotland there are procedures to help identify, assess and make provision for deaf children and young people whether through communication support or using technology such as radio aids or other. This is known as additional needs.

This support comes under the legislation of the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004.

This new act means that all education authorities have a duty to identify and support all children over 3 who would benefit from extra help. Education authorities also have a duty to seek and take account of views of parents who should be fully involved in making decisions about additional support for their child.

When a deaf child receives additional support, parents will come across the terms PLP IEP and CSP:

PLP = Personal Learning Plan
This is used by all children and involved teachers and parents setting goals for a child’s education development

IEP = Individualised Education Plan
This may be used where there is significant adaptation of the curriculum which should include input from a social worker and health professional

CSP = Coordinated Support Plan
This is for children with more complex needs and is a legal document

If you disagree with any decision with your local education authority in relation to the support your child receives, there are a number of ways in which you can deal with this, these include;

• Mediation
  
• Independent Adjudication
  
• Additional Support Needs Tribunals

If you need more information please contact SCoD directly.