FOI Request - Deaf Pupils and Sign Language and Communication Support

Request 101003870098

We would like to request the following information for the period between 1 September 2019 – 31 July 2025, unless otherwise stated.

For the purposes of this request, the term “deaf” is used inclusively to encompass pupils recorded as deaf, hard of hearing, hearing impaired, deafened, or similar descriptors, including those identified as British Sign Language (BSL) users.  If information is not available under “Deaf,” please provide figures for the SEND category “hearing impairment” or any other terms as described above or similar.

1. Deaf Pupils (Numbers)
The total number of pupils identified as deaf in your schools, by academic year.

2. Interpreter / Communication Support Worker Provision
The number of deaf pupils formally provided with sign language interpreters or Communication Support Workers (CSW), by academic year.

3. Requests for Support
The number of requests made by parents/carers for sign language interpreter or Communication Support Worker support, and how many were:
• Granted in full
• Granted in part
• Refused and with reasons for refusal, if recorded.

4. Appeals / Complaints
The number of appeals or complaints made against your decisions regarding sign language /communication support in education, and the outcomes of those appeals/complaints.

5. Spend on Support
The total annual spend on sign language interpreting and communication support services in education, broken down by financial year.

6. Policy & Guidance
Copies of any policies, guidance, or criteria used by the authority to decide on providing communication support such as sign language interpreter and Communication Support Worker for deaf pupils, including any references to British Sign Language Act 2022.

7. Teachers of the Deaf
The number of Teachers of the Deaf (ToD) employed by your authority and how many hold the mandatory qualification for Teachers of the Deaf.