One-in-Five students Start School Unable to Speak Well

Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner, has stated that many children experience communication difficulties throughout their childhood, adding that it is mainly due to a ‘postcode lottery of care.’ Ms Longfield explained that this is due to the varying spending amounts depending on where you live as well as overall responsibility and a lack of certain ‘joined-up services,’ demonstrated that children may fall through the gaps.

The shocking statistics show that in 2018-19, the most affluent areas in the top 25% had £16.35 or more spent per child on speech and language therapy, a massive contrast to children in the bottom 25% who have 58 pence or less spent on therapy for them. Ms Longfield said that although overall spending has increased, ‘it has fallen in many areas.’

More than half of areas experienced a real term decline in spending per child. If funding is not given appropriately children, as stated, will not be able to speak accordingly, as research suggests this may impact them within their educational and adult career in life.

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