THERE are no specialist teaching units for more than 800 deaf children in Dorset after research reveals “shocking” disparities in support for deaf pupils across England

In Dorset there are are no units for the 810 deaf children in the county - the national average sees one unit per 190 children. The figures were revealed through a new interactive map launched by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS).

The research showed that nearly one in 10 units had closed in the last five years, with just 237 now remaining compared with 260 in 2016 when records began.

The charity said specialist units are an important option for parents when deciding where to send their children to school, as they enable deaf children to be educated alongside their peers with additional support in a mainstream school.

The support can include one-to-one teaching, help from specialist teachers and help with technology such as hearing aids.

The charity’s map reveals stark disparities in the support with 40 out of 150 councils now having no specialist teaching units for deaf children.

The map also highlights several areas with low numbers of Teachers of the Deaf, who visit deaf pupils, families and schools to provide support.

While the national average is one teacher for every 62 deaf pupils, in Dorset it is one per 77.

The NDCS argues that support for deaf pupils has become a “postcode lottery” and that local authorities and schools are not doing enough to invest in specialist units or make parents aware they are available.

It is calling on the Department for Education to improve support.

Mike Hobday, director of policy and campaigns at the NDCS, said: “Specialist units can give deaf children in-depth support, help with their technology and the chance to be educated alongside their hearing peers.

“Every time a unit is closed, families in that area have fewer options for the future of their deaf child’s education and this is just one aspect of the shocking disparities that now exist.

“Support for deaf children has become a postcode lottery and some people don’t even get a ticket.

“The Department for Education and local authorities must urgently look into and address this injustice, but until they do, it’s crucial that parents and deaf young people can find out about support in their area.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “All children and young people, including those who are deaf or have a hearing impairment, should receive the support they need to succeed in their education.

“That’s why there is a legal requirement for qualified teachers to hold relevant mandatory qualifications when teaching classes of pupils who have a sensory impairment.

“Initial Teacher Training also equips qualified teachers with the skills to teach and support all pupils, including those with special educational needs.”

Shirley Sorbie from the Dorset Deaf Children's Society said that there had not been a specialist unit in the county for years, but said that there were many good services in the county which were currently supporting deaf children.

She said: "We do have some excellent teachers and support services which work with deaf children in schools in Dorset."

Dorset Council has been contacted for comment.