Salford Council rethinks cuts to deaf children services

Salford Council is to postpone plans to reduce support services for deaf children and close elderly day centres reports the BBC News (07/02/12).

The council had proposed to reduce the number of support teachers for deaf children and close three of the city's elderly day care centres.

Changes to the services for children with hearing loss are to be considered by a panel of parents and officials.

The elderly day centres will remain open for the next 12 months while their building's futures are reviewed.

The National Deaf Children's Society had been campaigning for the cuts to deaf services to be reconsidered.

The charity's deputy director of policy and campaigns Jo Campion said she was "pleased that the council is now listening to the concerns of families and the 4,000 local people who signed a petition opposing the cuts".

"We and parents were very concerned that the council was rushing through a decision, which would have a huge impact on the future achievement of deaf children in the area, without consulting families," she said.