News
Review of services for children who have speech, learning and communication needs
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More details emerge
As announced by the Prime Minister last week, John Bercow MP is to lead a review of services in England for young people and children who have speech, learning and communication needs on behalf of the Secretary for Children (Ed Balls) and the Secretary for Health (Alan Johnson).
The review team will report to the Government by summer 2008 and more detail is emerging.
The intention is to advise the Government on "how the very best provision can be mirrored in all areas, so every young person up to 19 years old with speech and learning difficulties gets support as early as possible." The review will encompass universal and specialist services, commissioning, accountability, management, leadership and recruitment. Specific commitment is given to consideration of "effective provision of assistive and augmentative communication technology", transition and support for parents. Alan Johnson adds that, "speech and language therapists have a significant public health role to play".
John Bercow is Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Speech and Language Difficulties which aims to raise awareness of communication disorders, highlight the importance of early intervention and press for increased provision of specialist teaching and therapy.
The full press release is here.
Posted on 14 September, 2007
