Review to focus on speech problems
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
A review into services for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs is to examine how early intervention can lead to improved services.
The government-backed review, led by Conservative MP John Bercow, is to study how planning and co-operation nationally and locally can lead to beneficial early intervention.
"The benefit of early intervention is that children can have teething problems addressed so they can then access the National Curriculum and fulfil their potential," said Bercow during a debate in Parliament last week.
It will also look at best practice in commissioning, the delivery of services and importance of parents. Bercow added: "Children with speech, language and communication impairments are disabled children. That is often not recognised. The hidden disability of an incapacity to communicate can be a source of great problems for the individual."
He said the review will result in a set of constructive proposals to "alleviate some of the difficulties, improve the quality of provision and raise the life chances of some concerned and frightened children who need our help sooner rather than later".
