It's been a good two months since I last published my blog and five short weeks until I make my debut at Westminster; in an office overlooking the river Thames. Until then I have continued to work out of Stewart Jackson's constituency office and the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS). I am particularly pleased with my research on deaf educational underachievement and special needs provision. My results have revealed some interesting questions and I am currently in the process of following these up. Of particular doubt is:
Ofsted inspection reports show that there were nine schools graded 4 (inadequate), with deaf units in total. Six of the nine received a 3 (satisfactory) for Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision and three received the same overall grade of 4. Seven of the nine wrote more positively about the SEN/deaf provision than they did about the overall provision with only two saying that the SEN provision was as inadequate as the overall. None made any comments that suggest the provision for SEN was worse or more worrying than the overall provision. The same applies for schools graded 1 (outstanding). It should follow that SEN/deaf children achieve equally, if not better, than their non-SEN/hearing counterparts. Yet official statistics state that over half of all children achieved the government benchmark of 5 GCSEs A* - C, compared with just 29% of deaf children. Clearly there is a discrepancy between actual results and the Ofsted reports.
What do you make of this?
What do you make of this?
In addition, I have been following up a meeting I had with Ken Carter, Founder and currently Director of Research at Deafax. This meeting revealed further useful contacts and opportunities, including the possibility of working on research and development projects in overseas places as diverse as Europe, Africa, India and the American continent. Exciting times ahead. Another opportunity was secured for the end of September and the beginning of October, where I am due to shadow the Office for Disablility Issues (ODI), gaining valuable insight into the mechanics of the department and attending various meetings, including a discussion on Digital Inclusion at the Cabinet Office. I will welcome any advice or questions you may have on this. I have also been informed by the NDCS Policy & Campaigns team that I could gain experience with their counterparts in Media & Communications. Since liaising with the press is a key part of working for a Member of Parliament and other Government/Non-Governmental organisations, this is an offer that I am going to take up.
Where am I going with this? Has it changed my ambitions? No, is the answer, but is has broadened and enhanced them; given me the confidence to think bigger. I still want to work in Parliament, absolutely. It is an honour and a privilege to perform public service in such an historical institution and one that opens up contacts and doors which will inform the career which comes after that. Ultimately, I would like to make a direct difference to the lives and well being of people around the world. I could certainly see myself working on and leading development projects at the United Nations or international charities.
I know I have some way to go, until I achieve those ambitions, but it is Premier League time now and I am ready to step up to the mark.
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