House of Commons · Westminster Hall
21 January 2025 · 10 other contributors · 10,409 words
Opened by Sharon Hodgson Lab Washington and Gateshead South
Responding minister: Stephen Kinnock
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Sharon Hodgson raised concerns about auditory verbal therapy in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government should invest in training more specialists in auditory verbal therapy within the public sector to ensure equal access for all families of deaf children who want their child to learn to listen and talk.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Deaf children in the UK face significant challenges accessing auditory verbal therapy, with only 33 certified therapists nationwide. More than 90% of deaf children under five are unable to access this life-changing therapy through publicly funded services. The north-east has no qualified auditory verbal therapists, leading to a postcode lottery for healthcare.
Despite the work of specialist schools, deaf children nationally face huge educational inequality, with only 38% of deaf children in England completing their first year of school having achieved expected levels.
Congratulated the lead MP and thanked Sam, a key advocate for AVT. Emphasised the importance of addressing inequalities in AVT provision to ensure deaf children receive necessary support.
Liberal Democrats advocate for equal opportunities for deaf children, emphasizing that local authorities have a duty to provide appropriate support as per section 17 of the Children Act 1989. She called for guidance on AVT provision and highlighted the strain on local government finances impacting therapy availability. Supported the call for improved availability of AVT services across England. Concerned about local authorities' financial constraints affecting commissioning of services, Helen asks if the Minister can address this specific issue. She also raises questions about the commissioning role and its impact on children with special educational needs.
Supports the need for more children to have access to auditory verbal therapy, highlighting statistics from Northern Ireland where only 7% of qualified teachers of the deaf are employed compared to 2011. He seeks Government support and training initiatives. Called for action to address gaps in auditory verbal therapy provision.
Congratulates Mrs Hodgson on securing the debate, emphasizing the importance of equity and opportunity for all children, particularly those who are deaf. He calls for sustained UK funding to ensure that every child has access to auditory verbal therapy.
Asked if the Minister would commit to updating nine-year-old guidance for ICBs and acknowledged that a national pilot proving AVT efficacy could end the pillar-to-post experience of families seeking support.
Contributes to the debate by highlighting the importance of auditory verbal therapy as a transformative cause and urges the Government to draft a plan for AVT access, noting that 85% of UK adults believe it should be available via publicly funded services.
Inquired if revised guidance would be issued following today's debate and whether the Government would instruct local areas to commission AVT services on a larger scale.
Discussed the balance between empowering local decision-making and ensuring consistency across the healthcare system, mentioned the 10-year planning process to address postcode lottery issues, and stated that ICBs must take national guidance into account. The hon. Member acknowledges that NICE prioritises guidelines based on clinical evidence and the decision-making process of its board. He also highlights the Government's commitment to developing a 10-year plan for the NHS and encouraging engagement with the process.
Training professionals from other countries who then go back to their countries presents a challenge for our deaf children, who deserve the same care and attention.
Government Response
Stephen KinnockThe Minister for Care
Acknowledged the contributions and welcomed Auditory Verbal UK to Parliament. The Government are committed to raising the healthiest generation of children ever through holistic change, breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring every child has the best start in life, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Acknowledged the need to balance empowerment at the local level with consistency in healthcare, mentioned the ongoing 10-year plan aimed at radical system changes including prioritising effective therapies like AVT, assured that guidance would be taken into account by ICBs and NHS trusts. The Government is committed to a 10-year plan to deliver an NHS fit for the future, encouraging those concerned about services for children with hearing loss to engage. The Minister highlights ongoing research and pilot schemes to understand workforce gaps and improve service delivery. NICE’s prioritisation board decides on guidelines, but AVUK has been invited to contribute to decision making through various groups.