Speech and Language Therapy
2021-04-26
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Reports indicate that 70% of families do not have access to pre-pandemic levels of speech and language therapies. This situation has prompted concerns about the impact on children's education.
What assessment he has made of the effect on children's attainment of the (a) suspension of and (b) time taken to deliver speech and language therapy in schools? I thank the Minister for her answer, but she will be aware that reports say that 70% of families do not have access to pre-pandemic levels of speech and language therapies. When does she hope to see this restarted in all schools? What specific steps is she taking to address the educational impact of delays for children who need this particular support?
We have been very clear that speech and language therapists are able to visit educational settings and that ideally they should not be redeployed during the most recent lockdown, although that was not always possible in all parts of the country. More therapists are back in schools delivering face-to-face therapy as we move out of restrictions. Schools can use their catch-up and recovery funding to purchase additional therapies, with examples such as a special school in Greater Manchester having done exactly that.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for full reinstatement of speech and language therapy services
Response accuracy