THE loss locally of a qualified teacher for the deaf is a retrograde step, according to the island’s political champion for people with a disability.

The Education Department plans to replace the part-time trained teacher with a full-time assistant.

Deputy Jane Stephens (pictured) said she had seen recent correspondence between the Guernsey Deaf Children’s Society, The University of Southampton Institute of Sound and Vibration Service, the National Deaf Children’s Society and the department.

‘The comments of those representing the interests of deaf children demonstrates great concern at Education’s plans to reduce the number of qualified teachers of the deaf employed locally,’ she said.

Deputy Stephens said that when she contacted the department about the matter the week before Christmas, she was told that the assistant director who was dealing with it was on leave, and that she would contact her on her return in January.

‘It was interesting that in that person’s absence Education was able to offer a media statement suggesting that local provision compares favourably with other local authorities,’ she said.

Deputy Stephens questioned who made that favourable comparison and how long ago.