An increase in speech and language difficulties among children has been linked to poverty, the Covid pandemic, and excessive screen time, according to warnings issued by Jane Harris, the Chief Executive of Speech and Language UK. Harris has urged government action ahead of the release of a long-awaited special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) strategy. She expressed concern that the current system is failing a significant number of children, with one in five struggling with speech and language issues, a record high.
A substantial portion of these children facing challenges in speech have SEND-related issues, including neurodivergence or disabilities. Harris emphasized the critical need for appropriate support, as these children may struggle to communicate effectively, impacting their academic performance, social interactions, and emotional well-being.
Harris highlighted the influence of factors like poverty and the pandemic in exacerbating these issues, noting that children are missing out on crucial developmental experiences due to limited access to real-world interactions. While acknowledging that increased screen time is not the sole cause, she emphasized the importance of balancing digital exposure with meaningful in-person experiences for children’s holistic development.
Furthermore, Harris dispelled the misconception that speech problems are only prevalent in early childhood, pointing out that teenagers are also affected. She stressed the necessity for more access to speech and language specialists, along with enhanced training for teachers to better address the crisis. Harris advocated for additional support through specialized hubs in schools and comprehensive training programs for parents.
The proposed changes align with the upcoming Government’s SEND white paper, set to be published in the coming year. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is spearheading efforts to revamp the SEND system, responding to longstanding calls for reform from various stakeholders. Schools Standards Minister Georgia Gould highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Best Start Family Hubs and curriculum reviews to address these challenges.
Gould attributed the rise in issues among children to the removal of essential family support services like Sure Start centers. She emphasized the importance of rebuilding support structures for families to mitigate the impact on children’s needs. The government is committed to delivering a reformed SEND system that prioritizes better outcomes for every child and rebuilds parental confidence, according to a Department for Education spokesman.