One child in ten…

Without communication skills, children may struggle to make friends, learn and to reach their full potential.

Research shows that when language difficulties are addressed early, students are more likely to go on to develop good reading and spelling skills.

This good performance continues throughout their school careers and they pass as many exams on leaving school as children without a history of speech, language and communication difficulties.

ICAN Paper; The Cost to the Nation of Children’s Poor Communication

Around 10% of children have long-term Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). However there is also a significant cohort of children (upwards of 50%) who have short-term,”transient” difficulties, which can resolve with the right support.

Ofsted Removing Barriers to Literacy 2011

Ofsted has highlighted SLCN as one of the main barriers to attainment in literacy.