Report promised into Torquay hearing unit closures

Protests over plans to close two specialist units for deaf children in Torquay schools have prompted the promise of a full inquiry.

Protests over plans to close two specialist units for deaf children in Torquay schools have prompted the promise of a full inquiry.
Cllr George Darling (Lib Dem, St Marychurch) handed in an official ‘call to action’ at a recent meeting of Torbay Council’s overview and scrutiny board for children and young people.
He said: “Since the decision was taken, parents, schools, health professionals and the deaf community have expressed severe concerns.”
There had been insufficient consultation, he said, over the impact the decision would have on provision for hearing-impaired children over the coming years.
“Staff were informed that the closure of the hearing units was a ‘done deal’ from the start,” he said. “Their concerns, based on on-the-ground-experience and expertise, were not taken on board.
“When suggestions on alternatives to this decision were made, these were reportedly not taken further nor even discussed.”
He said many children and parents had felt excluded from the decision-making process. And, he added, it was dangerous to assume that a decline in the number of children needing the service would continue.
He went on: “The units are due to close in September 2025, and with new information arising since the decision was taken, it is now unclear whether this decision is in the best interests of Torbay’s hearing impaired children.”
The council had been accused of failing the families of deaf children by closing the specialist units, with the National Deaf Children’s Society calling for a re-think.
The local authority, however, said services are under-subscribed, and children and their families could be served better with individual attention in mainstream schools.
Support is not ending, it said, but being delivered in a different way. It also said ‘misinformation’ had been spread.
Members agreed to prepare a full report on the closures to be considered at a subsequent meeting. The board doesn’t have the power to reverse the decision itself, but can pass recommendations to the council’s cabinet.