Torquay Council Pushes Ahead with Deaf Services Revamp Despite Outcry

Parents want to save a service for deaf kids. It is at St Margaret’s school in Torquay. Felicity Morris spoke for the parents, stating she wants the council to rethink its changes. The council wants to cut specialist services at St Margaret’s and Spires College because they say not enough kids use them now. They believe the money could help more kids elsewhere.

Parents feel they were not properly consulted, asserting this service is vital for their children’s education. A council vote, tied until the mayor broke it in favor of the cuts, caused a political fight. Some wanted to pause for more consultation, but others wanted to move forward.

Miss Morris said 1,600 signed a petition challenging the council’s decision. She says support for these kids is being cut and asks why Torbay did not consult properly. She thinks the council officers are wrong about the needs.

Councilor Bye stated the issue is complex and the petition numbers do not match his data. He also said no specialist help is being cut and wants the best for every child. He stated pausing would cause more uncertainty, adding money will follow each child to meet their individual needs.

Councilor Tyerman said units are not closing; funding is simply changing. Councilor Long wants to pause for more input because he feels figures are confusing. Councilor Cowell also wants a pause, stating that listening is very important.

Councilor Twelves wants a quick solution for families. Councilor Virdee thinks the service is being cut secretly and on a whim. Councilor Darling wanted the pause, stating the council might be wrong and needs to hear parents.

Miss Morris was sad about the vote, but still has some hope for the review. She sees a conflict in the council’s approach, noting the council has a new model for kids with needs. A lack of plans is cited for closing the units.

The new project aims to help kids faster, hoping to reduce the need for some expensive plans. Yet, the lack of these specific plans is the reason given to justify the closure of the existing units.

Miss Morris thinks the council is contradicting itself. She said supporting kids saves time from paperwork, but now lacking paperwork is used against them.

Councilor Darling agrees with Miss Morris’s feelings, stating parents were told not to apply for EHCPs. He implied St Margaret’s is punished for its own success, which helped kids without those official plans, now used to justify cuts. He believes the report is very important, but the execution is dangerous, even though the intent was good.