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Andrew StunellWorking hard for Bredbury, Compstall, Great Moor, Hawk Green, Hazel Grove, Heaviley, High Lane, Marple, Marple Bridge, Mellor, Offerton, Romiley, Rose Hill, Strines & Woodley since 1997 |
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LOCAL MP SECURES VICTORY IN SCHOOL ACOUSTICS CAMPAIGN
October 27, 2009 10:48 AM
Campaigners for deaf children are celebrating victory today after the government agreed to take action to improve acoustics in new schools in England. Local MP Andrew Stunell, who has been a keen supporter of the campaign, says it could benefit Stockport children almost immediately, with the planned new school at Rose Hill in his constituency likely to be one of the first to benefit.
The Government's decision came following pressure from National Deaf Children's Society's (NDCS) Sounds Good Campaign, which was strongly supported by Mr Stunell, and Grand Designs Presenter Kevin McCloud.
In a new package of measures, announced on Friday 16 October, Local Authorities will not get funds for more schools unless the schools they have already built have passed acoustic testing.
This breakthrough decision came in response to evidence collected by NDCS that many new mainstream schools do not comply with Government standards on acoustics. A study published by the charity shows that only one in five local authorities surveyed could confirm that their new schools comply with the government standards on acoustics.
Commenting, Andrew Stunell said:
"The NDCS fought a terrific campaign, and I was delighted to support them in their efforts to ensure that new schools sound good as well as look good.
"The government's decision to introduce these measures is overdue, and will make a real difference to the lives of deaf children, who will now be able to learn in a much better environment.
"We now need to see rapid progress all round so that children with hearing problems can have the same level of consideration as those with more visible difficulties when it comes to learning. It is good that one of Stockport's schools is right at the head of the queue for high standard acoustic treatment."
Brian Gale, Director of Policy and Campaign at NDCS said:
"Evidence shows that good acoustics can also help improve the learning and behaviour of all pupils, and reduce health problems for teachers. They are nothing less than essential for deaf children, the majority of whom are now being taught in mainstream schools (4). We welcome the Government's commitment to take action as a result of our Sounds Good? campaign to ensure new schools cater for the needs of deaf children."
We are extremely grateful to Andrew Stunell MP for supporting the campaign and helping to ensure that school buildings are fit for deaf children to learn in."
ENDS
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