The Department for Education (DfE) has announced plans to extend early speech and language support to an additional 20,000 children, focusing on the rising demand for specialist help. This forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, which aims to ensure all children get the best start in life.
Key Details:
- Funding & Programme: The Early Language Support for Every Child (ELSEC) initiative, backed by £3.4 million, funds specialist teams in early years settings and primary schools to identify and support speech and language needs.
- Rising Demand: Nearly 40,000 children have waited over 12 weeks for speech and language therapy since June 2024, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
- Impact: Unaddressed challenges can negatively impact attainment, attendance, social skills, and future life chances, particularly for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Minister’s Statement: Schools Minister Catherine McKinnell emphasised that ELSEC is helping children, especially those with SEND, “find their voice” and thrive in education and social settings. She stressed the importance of early intervention in a reformed SEND system to restore parental trust.
Wider Goals:
- Narrowing Gaps: Targeting early support to reduce long-term educational disparities.
- School Readiness: Ensuring children develop essential communication skills before starting school.
- Levelling Up: Part of wider efforts to tackle regional inequalities in early development.
This targeted support aims to speed up support, reduce waiting times, and improve outcomes for vulnerable children.
Read the full announcement here: Earlier support for speech and language for 20,000 children – GOV.UK