Nursery World - Call for next Government to prioritise 1.9m children struggling with speech and language

Speech and Language UK has launched its manifesto to draw the attention of all political parties to help the one in five children in the UK who struggle with talking and understanding words.

Image: Speech and Language UK

According to the charity, this amounts to 1.9m children across the country who need help to reduce the chances of those children failing in school, developing mental health problems, being out of work and offending as young adults. 

Jane Harris, chief executive, Speech and Language UK, said, ‘Sadly, this Parliament is ending with the biggest ever number of children with speech and language challenges in the UK. In the wake of the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, the next Government must act to stem the increasing tide of speech and language challenges.

‘If all political parties include our suggestions in their manifestos, the next government can change the futures of the 1.9 million children currently struggling with talking and understanding words. If they fail to act again, they will face increased costs in the education, mental health, criminal justice and welfare systems.’

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