Meeting the needs of children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties

Abstract

Background: The UK government set up a review of provision for children and young people with the full range of speech, language and communication needs led by a Member of Parliament, John Bercow. A research study was commissioned to provide empirical evidence to inform the Bercow Review. Aims: To examine the efficiency and effectiveness of different arrangements for organizing and providing services for children and young people with needs associated with primary speech, language and communication difficulties. Methods & Procedures: Six Local Authorities in England and associated Primary Care Trusts were selected to represent a range of locations reflecting geographic spread, urban/rural and prevalence of children with speech, language and communication difficulties. In each case study, interviews were held with the senior Local Authority manager for special educational needs and a Primary Care Trust senior manager for speech and language therapy. A further 23 head teachers or heads of specialist provision for speech, language and communication difficulties were also interviewed and policy documents were examined. Outcomes & Results: A thematic analysis of the interviews produced four main themes: identification of children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties; meeting their needs; monitoring and evaluation; and research and evaluation. There were important differences between Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts in the collection, analysis and use of data, in particular. There were also differences between Local Authority/Primary Care Trust pairs, especially in the degree to which they collaborated in developing policy and implementing practice. Conclusions & Implications:This study has demonstrated a lack of consistency across Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts. Optimizing provision to meet the needs of children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties will require concerted action, with leadership from central government. The study was used by the Bercow Review whose recommendations have been addressed by central government and a funded action plan has been implemented as a result.

Children with Language Impairment: Prevalence, Associated Difficulties, and Ethnic Disproportionality in an English Population

“…Research conducted to inform the review revealed problems including identification of children with SLCN, assessment of their needs, and with making provision to meet the needs identified (Lindsay et al, 2010a). The UK government's action plan in response to the review provided funding for a research program, the Better Communication Research Programme (Department for Children, Schools and Families 2008).…”

Working with children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties: a view from speech and language therapists

“…Lindsay et al (2008), in their review of all services provided by SLT for children, point to the need for SLTs to have training in multi-agency work, particularly in relation to working in schools.…”

A Mobile Multimedia Application Inspired by a Spaced Repetition Algorithm for Assistance with Speech and Language Therapy

“…SLCN is an umbrella term, in that "needs" in this context not only refers to the specific needs of the child, but also encompass the manner in which support can be given to meeting them [3]. SLCN variability can be measured in varying contexts such as primary speech, language and communication difficulties, cognitive and sensory impairment [4], socio-economic disadvantage and under-exposure to conversation. Of particular concern is the recent evidence to suggest that children hailing from backgrounds of poor socio-economic status (SES) are not achieving when compared to their peers in other, more affluent or socially enabled demographics.…”