Parents protest ‘devastating’ staffing cuts to deaf unit at Islington primary school (BSL)

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Parents and pupils protested at Laycock Primary School in Islington yesterday, following “devastating” proposals to cut staff numbers in its deaf unit and remove specialist support.

64 deaf children are supported by the unit – 38 of whom have additional needs such as autism – with a management team including a head of the provision and an assistant head, as well as audiologists.

However, according to local parents who claim to have seen the school’s plans, these three roles are set to be scrapped, and replaced with a single assistant headteacher position.

Sue Brownson, the award-winning leader of the unit who has been in charge for 32 years, would be among those affected.

Meanwhile three specialist Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) are also reported to be replaced, in favour of teaching assistants or agency staff.

Dan Turner, father to reception pupil Shoshana, said: “When I found out my four-year-old daughter was deaf, I thought I’d won the jackpot after hearing about the specialist deaf provision at Laycock. [It] has been around since the 70s, is the leading deaf provision in the country and is a shining example of specialist teaching for disabled kids.

“It offered us a lifeline and gave us confidence that Shoshie would get the same start in life as her hearing peers.

“The intake in the mainstream school is falling but instead of making deep cuts there, the current headteacher, Amy Lazarczyk, supported by the governors, has taken a hatchet to the deaf provision.”

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At the time of writing, almost 800 people have signed a petition on Islington Council’s website calling for a review of the proposals, an impact assessment to be conducted, and for an investigation to be carried out into how the plans affect students’ Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.

The campaign has also received support from former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis and ex-Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri.

Giulia Bove, whose son Max is deaf, autistic and has ADHD, added a “big battle” has been won already by parents.

“Amy Lazarczyk and the governors planned to force the deaf children into the mainstream classes, unsupported by teachers of the deaf, every afternoon when they’re at their most tired and listening fatigue is a real problem. We understand these proposals are now off the table thanks to our campaign, but we still need to fight to save Sue and others’ jobs, and to protect the provision from these sweeping cuts.

“We have consulted lawyers and we know that the changes are illegal but we don’t want to spend months in tribunals with the disruption that will cause to our kids’ education.

“[My son’s] EHC plan, which is a legal document, means he cannot be taught in large classes. Most of our children have EHC plans, which state they must be taught in small groups by specialist teachers, with regular equipment and other checks carried out.

“These would not be possible without Sue Brownson and the others who are at risk of redundancy, in place.”

Martin Thacker, deputy director of local engagement at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said the proposals are a “potentially devastating blow” for current and future deaf pupils.

“If schools are prioritising balancing the books, over providing deaf children with the support they need, something has gone very wrong. It’s vital that deaf children and young people get the support they need in school. Without it, they risk falling further behind their peers, left to struggle on alone.

“We’re also concerned about the lack of transparent two-way communication on this issue. Schools should effectively consult on any changes they are considering with parents and families of deaf children and be wholly transparent about any plans for the future. Open, ongoing communication between school and parents is a key part of this process.

“The wellbeing of deaf children must be at the heart of any decisions taken about their education and support needs.”

Employees are currently being consulted on their roles, with the consultation ending on 20 January 2023 – not by Christmas, as previously reported.

The Limping Chicken understands a working group has also been set up involving deaf specialists and service users to make sure high quality education is still provided.

An Islington Council spokesperson said: “ An Islington Council spokesperson said: “Islington Council is determined to give every child and young person in Islington the best start in life, including an excellent education, as we work to create a more equal future.

“This, of course, includes ensuring that hearing-impaired and deaf pupils are given the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential.

“Like many schools across the country, Laycock Primary School is responding to increased financial pressures, and is looking for solutions that ensure that the quality of the curriculum is not compromised.

“The current consultation with staff has been agreed by the governing body, and all feedback will be carefully considered. Once the consultation has concluded, parents and guardians will be contacted by the school to inform them of their decisions.”

Laycock Primary School has also been approached for comment.

Photo: Matt Crossick.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.