Around 1.4 million children in the UK have long term speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) that they won’t grow out of. That equates to around 10% of children or two or three in every classroom
This 10% can be divided into three groups:
There are close links between language development and areas of social disadvantage. Many children growing up in these areas have delayed language; their language is like that of a younger child, however with the right support they can develop and catch up. Deprivation does not predict delayed language but is strongly associated and so is a risk factor for children’s language development
However, without support, these language difficulties can persist throughout schooling
Children in the care system are at risk of having SLCN
Living in an area of social disadvantage is a risk factor for children’s language
Read of this factsheet from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy titled, “The links between speech, language and communication needs and social disadvantage” to find out more, or for a more in depth read, look at this report of the same name from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Speech and Language Difficulties.
Finally, these reports from The Communication Trust give more information on this topic:
Children with poor language skills struggle across many areas. The impact of having poor spoken language affects educational outcomes, social relationships, employability and places young people at risk of poor mental health and offending.
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