Early language development and communication skills are the precursor for good social, emotional and learning outcomes for a child.

However, as many as 81% of children with emotional and behavioural difficulties have speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) that have not been identified.

1 in 4 children who have language difficulties at the age of 5, do not reach the language levels expected by the end of primary school.

The Best Start in Speech, Language and Communication Programme is a new initiative to support health visitors in England in identifying SLCN early.

The programme, which has been commissioned by Public Health England (PHE) and the Department for Education (DfE), aims to increase the number of children who are ‘school ready’ by the time they are 5 years old.

A collection of resources, such as case studies and an early language identification measure (ELIM) and intervention tool, have been published to support local commissioners and service leads.

ChildSpeech are always keen to support new initiatives and research within the speech and language therapy field. A key part of our role is to increase awareness of SLCN and the importance of early identification and intervention. You can find more information at:

https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-tool-for-health-visitors-in-england-to-identify-slcn/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/best-start-in-speech-language-and-communication