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Supporting Deaf Children, Young People and their Families

The Scottish Government recognises that language deprivation in deaf and deafblind children has an impact on their crucial developmental learning in the ages between 0-5 years which can hinder their social, cognitive, and emotional development.

By Draft 2029

Scottish Ministers will

  • Draft Action 1

    The Scottish Government will investigate and explore an early intervention model for sign language acquisition for deaf and deafblind newborns and children to ensure they and their families have access to both BSL and English. This will help to ensure that deaf and deafblind babies and children are able to grow and thrive in an environment using the language of their choice.

  • Draft Action 2

    Investigate the provisions of support for deaf and deafblind children within Scotland, and identify any gaps in support to inform an immediate remedial action plan. This includes BSL tuition for deaf and deafblind children and their families.

  • Draft Action 3

    To investigate opportunities for early years workers to learn BSL up to the level of SCQF Level 6 to inform our future work in this area.

  • Draft Action 4

    Support the development of opportunities for deaf and deafblind children, young people, and their families, to learn about the heritage and culture of BSL, especially in Scotland.

  • Draft Action 5

    To establish a BSL Education Advisory Group to inform priorities around access to BSL and teaching of BSL, with initial focus on deaf and deafblind children.

  • Draft Action 6

    To work with the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) to explore and facilitate pathways for BSL users to obtain Qualified Teacher Status.

  • Draft Action 7

    To investigate opportunities for Teachers of the Deaf and teachers working with deaf and deafblind children in obtaining qualifications for BSL up to SCQF Level 10.