Delayed Speech Disadvantaged Children
2021-06-21
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question addresses the increase in delayed speech development among young children from disadvantaged backgrounds as a result of the pandemic.
What steps are being taken to tackle the rise in delayed speech among reception-age children from less privileged backgrounds caused by the COVID-19 outbreak?
The Government's education recovery plan includes £17 million for the Nuffield early language intervention, an evidence-based programme targeting reception-age children needing extra support. This initiative has helped 60,000 children in this academic year, with 40% of primary schools signed up.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Before the pandemic, half of disadvantaged children had speech delays at school entry. The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists found that since then, fewer speech and language therapies have been available to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Prior to the pandemic, 50% of disadvantaged children suffered from speech delay upon entering school. Post-pandemic, these children, especially those in poorer areas, face reduced access to speech and language support. Will the Minister ensure extra resources are provided for these children, with both digital and physical support, to enhance their life opportunities? Furthermore, will she meet me and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists to discuss this matter?
Schools can use recovery funding for additional therapies such as speech and language, and this has already happened. We have provided Barnett consequentials to Wales along with other funding. The Nuffield early language initiative, which nearly a quarter of a million children have been screened for, is encouraging and beneficial in England.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask regarding meeting the Royal College was not addressed.
Encouraging Wales To Look At Nuffield Early Language Initiative
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