Our response to the Government’s announcement to expand the Early Language Support for Every Child (ELSEC)

Responding to today’s announcement by the Government to expand the Early Language Support for Every Child (ELSEC),  Jane Harris, Chief Executive of Speech and Language UK, said:  

“While we welcome the Government’s commitment to expanding the Early Language Support for Every Child (ELSEC) programme – which is already making a real difference to children, families, and school staff – we must caution that if the Government is truly serious about meeting its 75% school readiness target, it will need to go much further. 

“Early support is vital, but the scale of need – particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic – demands far more than a limited programme expansion. It requires bold, long-term investment and system-wide reform to ensure no child falls through the cracks. 

“We’ve seen firsthand, through our involvement in ELSEC pilot areas, including in Hartlepool, that this approach works. Targeted interventions like our Early Talk Boost and Talk Boost KS1 programmes have helped staff feel confident and capable, while children who once struggled to communicate are now progressing in school. The emphasis on early identification and creating communication-friendly classrooms is not just welcome – it is essential. 

“But right now, tens of thousands of children are still waiting for help. Waiting lists for speech and language therapy are unacceptably long. One in four children with SEND needs support with speech, language, and communication. These are not just numbers – they are futures at risk. 

“This small funding boost is a step forward, but it does not match the scale of the problem. We urge the Government to treat this as the beginning, not the end. We need a national, fully funded strategy that embeds early speech and language support across all early years, primary, and secondary settings – and a workforce strategy to make it deliverable. 

“Without this, the 75% school readiness target will remain out of reach – and far too many children will start school already behind.” 

Notes to Editors:  

For more information please contact:  peter.simpson@speechandlanguage.org.uk  Mobile: 07803 051 848