Our response to new Department for Education updates to Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework

Speech and Language UK responds to new Department for Education updates to Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework  

“At least 1.9 million children and young people are currently struggling with talking and understanding words. Sadly, this new framework will be a huge disappointment to hundreds of thousands of teachers who simply don’t get enough training on speech and language challenges. In fact, 53% of teachers we surveyed told us they have not had sufficient training to support pupil’s speech and language in the classroom.

If teachers had enough training, they could spot children who are struggling and offer them extra support or refer them for specialist help. Without better support, these children will be exponentially more likely to fail at English and maths and to develop mental health problems.

Unfortunately, the new framework fails to match the growing number of speech and language challenges among children in England. The Department of Education has missed a huge opportunity to improve the education and mental health of almost 2 million children.”

Jane Harris 

Speech and Language UK Chief Executive

More information

For media enquiries, contact Simon Walsh Speech and Language UK Press Manager via media@speechandlanguage.org.uk or call 07824 446989.

A report last year from Speech and Language UK found that at least 1.9 million children are now estimated to be behind with talking and understanding words.

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General Enquiries: 020 7843 2510