Our manifesto for the next general election
Speech, language and communication skills need to be a top priority for all political parties this coming general election.
Let’s make sure the 1.9 million children who struggle with talking and understanding words get the help they so urgently need.
Speech, language and communication skills need to be a top priority for all political parties this coming general election.
Our education system has always had problems spotting and helping children who struggle with talking and understanding words. Since the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, the problem has got even worse. Currently, 1.9 million children in the UK (that’s 1 in 5) are struggling with talking and understanding words. Governments have failed to do enough and as a result the numbers are going up and up every year.
A child with speech and language challenges is at risk of:
- More mental health problems: 81% of children with emotional and behavioural disorders have significant speech and language challenges, often unidentified and 45% of young people referred for mental health services.
- Worse literacy and numeracy: 6x more likely to be behind in English, 11x more likely to be behind in Maths at 11 years with only 15% gaining a 9-5 pass at GCSE in English and Maths.
- Increased risk of offending: At least 60% of young offenders have language difficulties.
- Less secure employment: 2x more likely to experience insecure employment as adults
Find out more from our ‘Listening to Unheard Children’ report here.
The commitments we urgently need from our future government
1. Training everyone who works with children:
to spot children who are struggling and support their speech, language and communication skills.
2. Tools for schools and nurseries:
give teachers the tools they need to monitor and track the development of a child’s speech, language and communication skills.
3. Guidance on programmes:
let teachers and early years staff know what type of help works best.
4. Giving families the information they need:
new parents need information about a child’s language development alongside information on diet and vaccinations.
5. More early years support:
Family Hubs need to be able to offer support as early as possible, before children reach the age of three.
6. Specialist support quicker and easier:
A proper workforce strategy so there are enough specialist speech and language therapists to help children and young people with lifelong challenges.
Read our full manifesto
