Our response to YouGov’s ‘Lost for Words’ teacher survey

Jane Harris, Chief Executive of Speech and Language UK, says:

“YouGov’s research reflects a disturbing reality: teachers are overwhelmed with more children than ever starting school behind in their language and communication skills. A striking 89% say the situation has got worse since the onset of Covid-19.

Five years on from the pandemic, where formative years were profoundly impacted, a record high number of children in the UK have speech and language challenges (1.9m). Without the right support, these challenges extend far beyond the classroom. They are twice as likely to face unemployment in adulthood and are disproportionately represented in mental health service referrals.

Redirecting resources and policy so that speech and language challenges are tackled more thoroughly in schools is not a luxury but a necessity. We need to train teachers to identify challenges early, integrate spoken language skills into the curriculum, and provide guidance on adapting teaching methods. And we need to equip families with the knowledge and skills so they can play a role in boosting children’s speech and language development.

Early intervention can and does make a significant difference and can prevent children from falling behind academically, socially, and emotionally. This is not just about adding more resources – it’s about changing how we approach education and supporting teachers and families with the tools and training they need to make a real impact from the start. It’s within our power to make that a reality.

Our nation’s children, and those who teach them, can’t afford to wait any longer.”