23.09.2015
Many pupils with a visual or hearing impairment are still not getting the same opportunities as their peers. This is just one of the findings in a report issued today by the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Culture Committee.
The Attainment of pupils with a sensory impairment report follows work by the Committee in which it examined attainment of pupils with a sensory impairment. It learned that with the right support these pupils can achieve the same level of attainment as their peers.
Such support includes teachers having a basic level of understanding in relation to sensory impairment, and ensuring there are the appropriate numbers of teachers who are qualified at the highest level. The report recommends the Scottish Government should consider how to incentivise teachers to become specialised in the field of sensory impairment. It also calls for the minimum qualification for teachers using BSL to be raised and recommends the BSL Advisory Group considers the issue.
The Committee also makes it clear that greater understanding is needed to ensure that pupils with a sensory impairment can not only achieve the same as their peers but are also taught the vital life skills needed to build confidence and reduce social isolation.
Committee Convener, Stewart Maxwell MSP said:
“It has become clear to us that education for pupils with a sensory impairment needs to be improved. Whilst there is some fantastic work going on in some areas of Scotland for many this is not the case.
“Proper support is needed for those pupils in mainstream schools. For example, it is simply unacceptable that there are occasions when basic technological failures mean pupils are unable to access learning materials.
“But more than this, there needs be a greater understanding of what is needed for each child to ensure they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Background
Launched in March 2015, the Committee’s inquiry explored how attainment levels for pupils with a sensory impairment could be improved.
Figures from the Scottish Government show that, on average, school leavers with a visual or hearing impairment achieve fewer qualifications at school as those who do not have any additional support needs.
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S4_EducationandCultureCommittee/Attainment%20-%20sensory%20impairments/AllanSensImp20150611IN.pdf