Sign our open letter

The next government must take action to help the record-breaking number of children struggling with talking and understanding words.

Sign our open letter

Dear Party Leaders – including Keir Starmer, Rishi Sunak and Ed Davey, 

1 in 5 children in the UK are now struggling with talking and understanding words. This is the highest number of children with speech and language challenges ever recorded. 

It is urgent that in the run up to a General Election your manifestos commit to proven, common-sense solutions to support these children and their families. 

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 more likely to be out of work as an adult. And their families can face intolerable stress trying to get help for their children.
For the benefit of our country, please commit in year one of your government to:

  • 1

    Give all schools and nurseries tools to spot children who are struggling with speech and language early.

  • 2

    Fund an ambitious campaign so families have the information they need so they know how babies and children learn to talk and understand words.

  • 3

    Commit to training everyone who works with children to spot children who are struggling and support their speech, language and communication skills.

  • 4

    Fund evidenced catch-up programmes and put them in every school and nursery in the country.

  • 5

    Make specialist support quicker and easier to get for children with lifelong challenges.

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