Support for deaf kids ‘is reaching crisis-point’

Millions of pounds in support for deaf children is being lost, leaving services at “breaking-point”, a charity has warned.

Around one third of councils are making cuts, according to the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), which accused the UK government of “woeful complacency”.

Children’s minister Nadhim Zahawi said the budget for pupils with special educational needs this year is £6 billion – the highest on record.

Council chiefs said ministers must find additional funding to support highneeds children, warning that if cash is not found, authorities may not be able to meet their legal duty.

NDCS chief executive Susan Daniels said: “The government urgently needs to step in and tackle this mounting funding crisis in deaf children’s education.”