Closed petition For every new teacher to learn about Speech, Language and Communication Needs

Closed on 26 January 2017

We are calling on the Government to include Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) as part of any initial teacher training package. All trainee teachers should learn about SLCN so that they are able to adapt their teaching strategies and fully support their students to succeed and achieve.

In English Schools 20.9% of all children on Special Educational Needs (SEN) support & 14% of children that have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) have SLCN (DfE Schools, pupils and their characteristics: January 2016). Language Impairment is seven times more common than other developmental conditions such as autism (SCALES study 2016). Including SLCN on any initial teacher training package would raise awareness & allow new teachers to feel more confident at identifying these children.