Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:16 pm on 12 February 2019.
Thank you, First Minister. I'm sure you're aware of the recent news story that Ros and Josh Hannam from Monmouthshire are having to pay £6,000 for sign language classes to help communicate with their deaf daughter, Lola. The couple have received funding through the local authority's sensory and communication service, but are having to fundraise to make up the shortfall themselves—valuable time that would otherwise be spent with their daughter. Debbie Thomas from the National Deaf Children's Society has said that parents of deaf children currently face a postcode lottery when it comes to funding for these sign language classes that are so crucial to helping their social and educational development. Can I ask that the Welsh Government's review—because I know you've committed to one—of the British Sign Language funding takes place as swiftly as possible so that all deaf children, regardless of where they live, get the best possible start in life?