Better Communication

1
Better Communication An Action Plan to Improve
Services for Children and Young People with
Speech, Language and Communication Needs Hardip
BegolDeputy DirectorSpecial Educational Needs
and Disability, DCSF 7 January 2009
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Speech, Language and Communication Needs

• Children can have a range of different SLCN
• Primary, such as specific language impairments or
  a stammer or
• Secondary and related to another need like
  autistic spectrum disorders, hearing impairments
  and physical disabilities.
• Achievement of 5 Good GCSEs including English and
  Maths at end of secondary school
• With a SLCN 13 SEN School Action Plus 5 with
  a statement of SEN
• Without a SEN 57

3
The Bercow Review

• John Bercow MP was asked to conduct the review in
  September 2007
• Consultation (over 2,000 responses, around half
  from parents and carers)
• Visits to Childrens Centres, Nurseries, primary
  and secondary schools and other venues across the
  country
• Research on efficiency and effectiveness of
  services (including a case review and six case
  studies)
• Focus Groups with parents and children

4
The Bercow Report

• 40 recommendations across five key themes
• Communication is crucial
• Early identification and intervention is
  essential
• A continuum of services designed around the
  family
• Joint working is critical
• The current system - high variability and a lack
  of equity.

5
Better CommunicationThe SLCN Action Plan

• Published in December 2008, the Action Plan
  covers
• Prioritising SLC
• Developing the workforce
• Improving universal services
• Better commissioning of specialist services

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Prioritising speech, language and communication

• Many initiatives taken forward within existing
  mainstream projects, culminating in National Year
  2011
• A Communication Champion and Communication
  Council will help support Ministers in
  co-ordinating initiatives

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Developing the Workforce

• Across the childrens workforce, the Childrens
  Workforce Network will ensure the Integrated
  Qualifications Framework and other tools
  appropriately support children with SLCN
• The Inclusion Development Programme and new units
  for trainee teachers will develop a better
  understanding of SLCN
• The professional development framework for senior
  leaders and implementation of the Darzi review
  will focus commissioners on developing effective
  services

8
Improving Universal Services

• Every Child a Talker and the Child Health
  Promotion Programme will help to monitor and
  support children in Early Years
• The primary and secondary curricula and
  associated guidance will support the development
  of speech, language and communication skills
• Training Materials will be developed for those
  working with young people in custody

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Better Specialist Commissioning

• Commissioning pathfinders in up to 20 areas will
  develop best practice for national dissemination
• The Alternative and Augmentative Communication
  sector will be supported through Becta as the
  commissioning pathfinders etc. encourage better
  commissioning
• Ofsted will conduct a review of Special
  Educational Needs provision in 2009
• Research will be commissioned to give future
  commissioners a better evidence base

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Next Steps

• Early in 2009
• Recruit Communication Champion
• Tender for Secretariat Support
• Tender for Research Programme
• Recruit Pathfinders
• See http//www.dcsf.gov.uk/slcnaction for updates.