Our latest YouGov teacher survey revealed something shocking! 78% of teachers say children with speech and language challenges are being unfairly punished. 

Existing behaviour policies and teachers without the right training frequently overlook how difficulties in talking and understanding words can directly influence both children’s behaviour.  

The solution is simple. We are calling for urgent reform to ensure school behaviour policies are inclusive and teachers are trained to give children with speech and language challenges the education they deserve. 

Read the full report here. 

Sign our petition and make schools fair for all children.

Why are children with speech and language challenges being left behind? 

For the record-high 2 million children in the UK who face challenges with talking and understanding words, school isn’t always a safe space. They struggle to follow instructions, understand their teachers, and build friendships – leading to frustration and isolation. 

Evie is just one of these children being unfairly punished for something out of their control. She shared one experience with us from when she was just five years old:  

“It was year 1, I was playing outside. It had just stopped raining. I thought I was allowed to play on the grass, so I walked onto the grass. Miss told me off but I didn’t really understand what she was saying. She made me stand against the wall but when she wasn’t looking I ran back onto the grass. Miss told me off. She was angry and made me stand against the wall again. I had to stay there and miss playtime.” 

The system is failing children like Evie. Teachers, already stretched thin and under-resourced, often lack the tools and training they need to support them.  

Imagine being unable to understand what someone is saying to you or to explain yourself – and instead of being supported, being repeatedly told off for misbehaving, isolated from other children, labelled as a troublemaker. You’d feel alone, confused and afraid. 

When this happens to children who struggle with talking and understanding words, they often respond in one of three ways:  

1. They retreat and stay silent.  
2. They get frustrated and angry – understandably.  
3. They simply refuse to go to school.  

Right now, these children are falling through the cracks. They’re at risk of facing serious challenges later in life, like issues with the law or unemployment.  

What needs to change 

With more investment from the Government, we can build a brighter future. We’re calling for immediate action from the Government to address this issue. We need a system that supports children with speech and language challenges – not punishes them. The Government must take steps to ensure these children get the support they need. 

Join us in demanding change from the Government to: 

1. Train every teacher to recognise and support children with speech and language challenges. 
2. Revise government guidance for schools to develop behaviour policies to ensure children with speech and language challenges aren’t unfairly punished. 
3. Provide teachers with proven tools to help children communicate effectively. 
4. Implement group programmes for children struggling with their speech and language at every key stage.  

Fairer rules mean better schools – and better schools mean a better future for us all.