Andrew Turner the Island’s MP is supporting the campaign by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) that is calling for the Government to require new schools to meet national building standards and ensure that all children can listen and learn effectively. Last year NDCS launched the Sounds Good? campaign which seeks to ensure that new schools are built with, and tested for good acoustics.

Poor acoustic levels in the classroom hamper the learning of all children but are especially problematic for deaf children and those who are hard of hearing. Regulations state that acoustics in school classrooms should be appropriate to its intended use, however new school buildings are not required to be tested to ensure that they comply. Last year deaf children in England were 42% less likely to achieve five GCSE grades A to C despite the fact that with the right support most deaf children should achieve similar grades to hearing pupils.

Last week Mr Turner attended an NDCS parliamentary event and met a group of deaf teenagers. He discussed with them the difficulties they face in classrooms with poor acoustics.

Andrew Turner, explained:
“As a former teacher I know only too well that you have to keep the attention of children if you want them to learn effectively. If children cannot hear you then you can’t be surprised if they ‘turn off’ from lessons. Good acoustics help all students, and particularly those who have hearing difficulties, to pay attention to the lesson. It is important that children are taught in environments that make it easy for them to learn.’

Kevin McCloud, presenter of Channel 4’s Grand Designs, is also supporting the Sounds Good? campaign. He said:
“Despite the fact that we are embarking on the biggest schools building programme in history and that proper design is now a process and concept that millions in Britain embrace and demand, the design of British schools continues to be patchy. People with disabilities continue to suffer. The technologies exist…the knowledge is there. I hope this campaign succeeds in putting the issue on the agenda.”