Politics: Retaining speech and language services in Aberdeenshire schools is vital

For the past two weeks, the Scottish Parliament has been on recess, which is a great opportunity for parliamentarians like me to spend more time out and about in our constituencies gaining a greater grasp on the issues affecting our constituents, writes MSP Karen Adam.

I truly am blessed to represent Banffshire and Buchan Coast not just for the beautiful setting we occupy but also for the people.

People who consistently show me their dedication to their communities and neighbours, working hard often unseen, and doing so with so much kindness.

Of the many visits I had this week a highlight was the opportunity to bosie a wee lamb, and to see first hand how hard our local farmer’s work.

I was also able to catch up with many community organisations and individuals who have benefitted from Scottish Government funding to progress projects, and to discuss how I can help others on their funding journey.

Across this constituency there was no shortage of fantastic food stops to choose from for lunch to keep myself and my team going.

On Tuesday, as part of my community outreach I held a meeting with parents and equalities charities about Aberdeenshire Council’s decision to cut speech and language services in schools.

As a child of a deaf adult, and mother of autistic children I know first-hand how difficult it can be sometimes for those navigating life with a communication difficulty.

I was shocked to learn that there had been no communication between the council and parents with children who use this service on the proposed cuts.

If they had, they would know that these children have established hard-won relationships with their therapists, and that cutting these services will have a drastic impact on their development.

I am grateful to the charities who joined the meeting to hear directly from the parents and I urge Aberdeenshire Council to pause their decision until they take the time to do the same.

We heard how these cuts could risk pushing some children out of mainstream school which would not only have a negative impact on their learning but would be contrary to the council’s duty to promote inclusion.

In Aberdeenshire Council’s own impact assessment, it clearly states that “there is a risk of adverse impacts on the development of children as a result of funding withdrawal from Speech and Language Therapists (SALT).”

I have written to the council Leader and the chief executive of Aberdeenshire Council urging them to reconsider this terrible decision and I am grateful to have the support of Autism and Neurodiversity, Auditory Verbal and the National Deaf Children’s Society who have all called for Aberdeenshire Council to abandon their plans to cut these vital services for children with additional support needs and their families.

In a week where I saw the best of our communities, I also saw the real trials they face.

I hope the council who are cutting public services left, right and centre reassess their priorities, and before making decisions consult the people it directly affects.

I met people who are creating community hubs, campaigning for road safety measures, supporting the vulnerable, providing spaces for much needed connections and so much more.

We have people willing to work hard for their areas, they deserve the support to thrive and not just to survive.