Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) adding the teaching of basic English Sign Language to the curriculum and (b) providing support and guidance to schools in the teaching of sign language.

The Government is committed to supporting the education of all children and young people with special educational needs or a disability, including those with a hearing impairment.

The Department is aiming to introduce a GCSE in British Sign Language as soon as possible, so long as it proves possible to develop a qualification that meets the rigorous requirements that apply to all GCSEs. The Department is currently working with subject experts to develop draft subject content.

Schools may choose to offer basic sign language in their individual school curriculum or include it as part of their extra-curricular activities programme.