Better communication skills needed to improve behaviour

Children's communication charity I Can has called for early intervention to address communication difficulties, claiming such a move is key to improving behaviour in schools.

The charity argues that the ability to understand and be understood, are inextricably linked to a child's emotional development and behaviour.

Chief executive of I Can, Virginia Beardshaw, has called for schools and parents to work together to address the issue.

"Research shows that children who have difficulties with understanding language and expressing themselves are at risk of behaviour difficulties," she said.

"There is also a growing awareness that speech and language needs in adolescents and young people are strongly associated with mental health problems.

"Everyone, from the teacher to the lunchtime supervisor, has a responsibility to support children's communication.

"It is essential they have the confidence and skills needed to do this and be able to spot those who are struggling."

Sir Alan Steer's report Learning Behaviour: Lessons Learned, published last week, highlights the need to consider that children with behavioural difficulties may have underlying special educational needs, such as communication difficulties.