Speech and Language UK launches open letter to party leaders

We have launched an open letter calling on the next government to help the record-breaking number of children struggling with talking and understanding words

In the run up to the General Election, we are calling on Party Leaders, including Rishi Sunak, Kier Starmer and Ed Davey, to take action and help the 1.9 million children struggling with talking and understanding words.   

1 in 5 children in the UK are now struggling with talking and understanding words*- the highest number ever recorded. We want all political parties to commit to proven, common-sense solutions to support these children and their families in their manifestos   

Children with speech and language challenges are more likely to struggle to read, write and do maths, have mental health problems, end up in the criminal justice system and be out of work as an adult. Their families can also face intolerable stress trying to get help for their children.   

We are calling on the next government in its first year of power to commit to:  

• Give all schools and nurseries tools to spot children who are struggling with speech and language early.  
• Fund an ambitious campaign so families have the information they need so they know how babies and children learn to talk and understand words.  
• Commit to training everyone who works with children to spot children who are struggling and support their speech, language and communication skills. 
• Fund evidenced catch-up programmes that are proven to work and put them in every school and nursery in the country.  
• Make specialist support quicker and easier to get for children with lifelong challenges. 

Jane Harris, Speech and Language UK’s Chief Executive said:  

“Right now, nearly two million children in the UK are struggling with talking and understanding words. These children rarely get an audience with politicians but their lives and their futures matter. We want the next government to know what action they need to take so that the 1 in 5 children with speech and language challenges can face the future with confidence.”  

For media enquiries or to interview spokespersons or case studies, please contact Simon Walsh, Speech and Language UK’s Press Manager via media@spechandlanguage.org.uk or call 07824 446989.