8 July 2009

Money to improve services will benefit tens of thousands of children

The package of measures announced today by the Government as part of the implementation of its Better Communication action plan is welcome news for children with speech, language and communication needs and their families, according to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).

The RCSLT applauds the Government’s commitment to implement key recommendations from last year’s Bercow Review.

In his review, John Bercow, MP, highlighted the fact that weak planning and poor coordination of services across health, social care and education mean the needs of these children are not being met.

RCSLT CEO Kamini Gadhok says: “Today’s announcement shows that Government is delivering on its promise to improve services for the tens of thousands of children with speech, language and communication needs.

“The Departments of Health and Children, Schools and Families are making a significant investment in the implementation of the Better Communication action plan published in December last year.

“The RCSLT and the speech and language therapy profession will enthusiastically support these developments.”

Notes for editors

For more information and to arrange an interview with RCSLT CEO Kamini Gadhok, contact RCSLT Communications Manager Steven Harulow, tel: 0207 378 3004.


The Bercow Review’s full title is: Bercow review of services for children and young people (0-19) with speech, language and communication needs. Secretary of State for Health Alan Johnson, MP, and Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls, MP, commissioned the review in August 2007. John Bercow, MP, was asked to lead the review. He submitted an interim report in March 2008 and a final report in July 2008.  

The RCSLT is the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK and has over 13,000 members. It is responsible for setting, promoting and maintaining high standards in education, clinical practice and ethical conduct.

Key facts on children in England with speech, language and communication needs:

  • Half of children in some socio-economically disadvantaged populations have speech and language skills that are significantly lower than those of other children of the same age.
  • Nearly 40,000 children (approximately 7% of five year olds) entering school in 2007 in England had significant difficulties with speech and/or language.
  • More than 5,500 children (approximately 1% of five year olds) entering school in 2007 in England had severe and complex speech, language and communication needs.
  • An estimated 60% of the 7,000 children and young people aged under 18 who pass through young offender institutions have difficulties with speech, language and communication.

** Every Child a Talker is designed to strengthen children's early language development by improving the quality of language provision in early years settings.

Ends

Notes for editors: