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Lack of SLC training for early years and school staff

A survey of the children and young people’s workforce reveals a gap in initial training on children’s speech, language and communication needs.

The Communication Trust’s survey of 1,200 of its members reveals that more than half (53 per cent), of the workforce have received ‘little’ or no learning in their initial training about typical speech, language and communication (SLC) development. Of these 49 per cent work in the early years. This is despite SLC being made a mandatory part of the Early Years Educator qualifications criteria in 2010.

The Trust surveyed staff that work in early years settings, primary and secondary schools - including SENCOs and teachers, as well as childminders.

The figures rise to 60 per cent for the children and young people’s workforce in learning about identifying and supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) – a subject area not covered in the EYE qualification, says the Trust.

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