Early Years Speech, Language and Communication Action Plan published in Scotland

The RCSLT welcomes this plan from the Scottish Government, which acknowledges that communication underpins every aspect of child development and clearly articulates the link between communication and learning, social isolation, mental health and employment.

The Action Plan outlines the steps needed to improve early speech, language and communication (SLC) outcomes for all children across Scotland, from pre-birth through to the early years.

RCSLT Scotland office has advocated for a national delivery plan for children with speech, language and communication for a number of years. They facilitated a close working relationship with Public Health Scotland and the Children and Young People speech and language therapy leads group to support publishing three reports that were critical in influencing progress in this area. The Action Plan also builds on two years of work by the National Early Language and Communication Team (NELC) team made up of six SLTs who have made a significant contribution to its development.

The plan focuses on prevention and early intervention, with a particular emphasis on supporting families in disadvantaged communities, where children are more than three times as likely to have communication concerns. Built around three pillars – leadership, families and communities, and a skilled and supported workforce – the plan aims to strengthen collaborative support across health, education, and family support services.

Speech and language therapists have a critical role in prevention and early intervention. They are uniquely skilled in identifying early communication needs and in coaching parents, early years staff and health colleagues to create language-rich, responsive environments. Their expertise will be essential in delivering this plan and ensuring families receive consistent, high-quality support.

Complementing this work is the ‘Chatting Together’ guidance, hosted on Parent Club, an online information hub offering advice for parents and carers.

Glenn Carter, Head of RCSLT Scotland, said: “We welcome this plan from the Scottish Government, which recognises that communication is the fundamental building block for children to connect, play, learn, and access work later in life.

“Speech and language therapists understand just how critical early communication support is for children as well as the incredible difference close collaboration across communities makes. We look forward to working with the Government, parents, carers, and partners to give Scotland’s children the best start in life.”

Read the Early Years Speech, Language and Communication Action Plan.