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We’re committed to raising awareness among politicians and other decision makers about the challenges faced by children who struggle with talking and understanding words. With 1.9 million children in the UK facing speech and language challenges, we need all political parties to understand what needs to change. We shout about gaps in existing policies, to influence policy decisions and drive real change.
Early years and childcare need to be seen as a fundamental part of a child’s development, not just a safe place for children to go while parents return to work. We are putting pressure on the Government and members of parliament to ensure that parents are properly supported and empowered, and the early years workforce has the skills necessary to help children struggling with talking and understanding words.
Read moreWe are currently working closely with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and leading clinicians to campaign for the development of a National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE guideline) on Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). The NHS and other public bodies use these guidelines to decide what support to give children and they are written based on the best evidence on what works for children. A good new guideline would help to ensure the 2 children in every class of 30 receive the right care and support.
Earlier this year, we took part in the Government’s consultation on reforming the SEND system. We highlighted the measures needed to improve the support given to children with lifelong speech and language conditions. We’re calling on Government to help families and professionals spot where children are struggling with speech and language, by training the school workforce better and giving more guidance to schools and nurseries on what helps children with challenges. We are waiting for the Government to publish its response and set out its next steps for system reform.
Read our responseWe’ve been working with Voice21 and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists to influence school policy which aims to improve education standards. We’re calling on the Government to use the Schools Bill to underpin the primacy of children’s spoken language and communication skills, which are central to children learning how to read, write and do maths. We’re also calling for access to specialist support from early years through to secondary school, to ensure all children learn and can face the future with confidence.
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