The Interim Review of Services for Children and Young People (0-19) with Speech, Language and Communication Needs

Remind me - what is the Bercow Review looking at?

Speech, language and communication needs. It's the first major review in this area for seven years, chaired by Conservative MP John Bercow. Launched in September 2007, the review team organised online and focus group consultations, as well as a series of visits. Bercow has published an interim report and plans to issue final recommendations in July 2008.

Is it about communication difficulties then? Yes, framed by a declaration asserting that communication is a "fundamental human right". The review has addressed the topic under five themes: the importance of communication itself; early identification and intervention; the service continuum; joint working; and the lack of equity in the current system. The interim report outlines the review's thinking in three chapters: families' views of services, joint commissioning of services and workforce, leadership and accountability. Each chapter ends with a list of potential actions.