News
Speech and language services get £5m improvement fund
9 Jul 2009
The money will fund a pilot scheme to identify good practice in providing support for children with SLCN. Evidence from this pilot will be used to develop a national framework for services.
In addition, a new Communication Champion will be funded to raise the profile of these issues, drive delivery of reforms, improve local performance and lead the National Year of Speech, Language and Communication (2011–2012).
The University of Warwick has been selected to lead a consortium delivering a three-year, £1.5m research programme on the cost-effectiveness of interventions for children with speech, language and communication needs and to improve the evidence base. Details of SLCN Cost-Effectiveness Research Programme can be found on the University of Warwick website.
Ed Balls said: John Bercow's groundbreaking review identified that local services need to improve. We are now implementing his recommendations to make that happen. From children with a limited vocabulary to those with severe impairments, we're taking action to improve services across the spectrum.
This is part of a £12m investment to implement the Government Action Plan, Better Communication.
(Children & Young People Now, 9 July 2009)
