Deaf pupil, 9, angry at lack of school interpreter

A nine-year-old girl who was born deaf says she is angry after being unable to go to school because her council could not find her a specialist interpreter.

Maisie has not been to Broseley C of E Primary School in Shropshire for six weeks, after her previous interpreter left earlier this year.

Her mum, Suzanne, said her daughter felt let down at the lack of educational support.

Shropshire Council said finding specialist and suitably qualified communication support workers (CSW) was difficult, especially in a large rural county like Shropshire.

CSWs work in schools, colleges and universities to help students communicate and learn.

Maisie has attended the same school since nursery and has always had a one-to-one sign interpreter.

"I feel angry and frustrated. I want to see my friends. I miss my school friends," she said.

The school said Maisie needed specialist one-to-one support but they have been unable to offer this since her permanent CSW left before the summer.

Maisie, who is temporarily being educated at home in Broseley, will now have to travel 20 miles (32km) to start at a new deaf resource base school in Wolverhampton.

"I feel sad and I am not happy. She needs to go back to school. Her education is so important," her mum said.

"She feels very let down. Because Shropshire education... they are responsible for Maisie's education."

Shropshire Council said Maisie was supported by the same CSW for years before they left in May.

"The school advertised for a new CSW immediately but received no applications for the role," it said.

It added a place at a specialist deaf resource base had been arranged and Maisie would take up her place there after half-term.

"The school will continue to support Maisie until she begins her placement," a spokesperson added.

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