There has been a keen sense of anticipation about the release of the final recommendations of the Bercow Review of services for children and young people with speech and communication needs this week (see News, page 4).
It is ironic that in an age when technological advancement has revolutionised methods of communication, the rise in speech and language problems has been hidden away to some extent. And maybe the first has contributed to the second!
Those in the early years sector know the problems, of course. They have been dealing with the children who start nursery or school with no more than a few words, and realise how important early help is. Without the ability to communicate, children cannot really learn.
Sterling work has been done by organisations such as I CAN and Talk to Your Baby, as well as some innovative local authority programmes such as Stoke Speaks Out. But it has always been a struggle in the face of limited resources and the lack of a joined-up national approach.
There is genuine optimism from campaigners and experts that the Bercow Review will make a difference. It stresses the vital importance of early identification and intervention; it encourages joint working between health and education; and it calls for an end to the postcode lottery with services for children with SLCN.
The idea for a National Year of Speech, Language and Communication to raise awareness is also very welcome. Government funding and commitment will be needed for a lot longer than 12 months, but John Bercow MP should be applauded loudly for this important piece of work.
