Daily Roundup 5 January: Children's centres, deaf school, and David Haye

Brighton Council is set to proceed with plans to cut funding for children’s centres despite 87 per cent of parents opposing the move. The Argus reports the city council plans to reduce the number of designated centres from 12 to seven even though hundreds of parents disagree with the decision.


The education system is letting deaf children down because growing numbers of specialist schools are closing and too many vulnerable pupils struggling in mainstream settings, campaigners have warned. The Guardian reports that campaigners spoke out following the closure of the Royal School for Deaf Children in Margate, Kent, which was the oldest deaf school still operating in the UK, dating back to 1792.


Two-time former world champion boxer David Haye has been chosen to become an ambassador for youth charity The Prince’s Trust. The former cruiserweight and heavyweight champion said he hopes to be able to “empower” young people and will work with the trust on a new project that will launch this year.


A service to protect children in Walsall who are at risk of harm or abuse has received more than 1,000 referrals in just three months. The Express and Star reports that the service, which brings together police, NHS, charity, council and probation staff, has received 1,117 referrals since opening in October 2015.


Standards of NHS dental care have been likened to a "third world" service in a letter signed by 400 dentists. The BBC reports that the letter describes tooth decay in children as a "national disgrace" and calls for the government to be "open and transparent" about the limitations of provision.


Girls at single-sex schools are at a "huge disadvantage" because they are unable to talk to boys, a head teacher has warned. The BBC reports that Richard Cairns, head of Brighton College, said single-sex schools are a "deeply unrealistic world,".