FOI Request - Teacher of the Deaf and ASN Review

Request 101003423181

Earlier this year, we submitted a Freedom of Information request about staffing and budgets in the deaf education service. We understand from responses that you have or had current Teacher of the Deaf (ToD) vacancies as well as a frozen post. We were informed that the frozen post would not be recruited to due to budget constraints. We will be updating our deaf education map very soon and I wanted to get in touch to clarify the situation so that we can report accurately.

1. Is the frozen post an old post and one that is no longer needed or a recent one and one that you are struggling without?
2. Has the situation been exacerbated by the additional support staff vacancy and frozen post which appeared to be covered by a ToD?
3. I can see that you were due to advertise the vacancy on a temporary basis – has this been successful?

4. Also could you update me on the ASN review that is currently underway?

Response 17-11-2023

1. The frozen post is an old post and we are not currently struggling without it. This post remains under review in line with the needs of the children and young people and any changes of our service.

2. Our current staffing levels are meeting the needs of the service but remain under review to meet the needs of the children and young people and any changes within our service.
3. The support staff vacancy was not advertised in August, as the post is not currently needed. This remains under review to meet the needs of the children and young people and any changes within our service.
4. The ASN review is ongoing, led by Moray's Chief Education Officer. This is a review of Moray's ASN systems and practice in schools and in the central ASN teams. This term the SES team will be reviewing and reflecting on their role and function to ensure they are offering a quality service to children, young people and families.