5 key ways schools can support children struggling with talking and understanding words

We welcome the Government’s £740 million boost for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools. The new Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group could also be a fantastic step forward. With over a million children facing lifelong speech and language challenges, we hope they’ll be well-represented. 

Here are 5 key ways schools can support the 1.9 million children currently struggling with talking and understanding words, and not just those with SEND: 

1. Train staff: Equip all teaching staff with the skills to identify and support children with speech and language challenges. Continuous professional development is essential. Half of teachers say they lack training on speech and language development.  
2. Cater for all: Make sure you have a mix of universal, targeted, and specialist support so all children are served. 
3. Access to programmes: Provide access to proven speech and language programmes and make information about them easily available. 
4. Specialist support: Ensure quick access to specialists like speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, and advisory teachers for assessment, diagnosis, and advice. 
5. Strategic oversight: Ensure Governing bodies/Trustee Boards oversee strategic planning to meet speech and language needs.