Literacy news
‘One in six’ children have difficulty in learning to talk
4 Jan 2010
Communications Champion Jean Gross has published a survey showing around 1 in 6 children under 7 have problems learning to talk, with boys lagging behind girls.
In an interview with the Daily Mail last week Jean Gross suggested that middle class children are struggling to learn how to talk because working parents are unable to offer them the quality time which is crucial to their speech development. She also suggests that parents should avoid day care for under twos unless run by well-trained staff.
A DCSF spokesperson said: "Speech, language and communication are crucial to every child's ability to access education and get the most out of life, which is why we're working closely with the Communications Champion to improve services for children with communication difficulties and help families get the support they need.
"It's right that good communication should start at home, and it's vital that it continues at nursery and in school.
"We're committed to improving the outcomes for children with communication difficulties, and we're taking steps to sure up the support available through our Better Communication Action Plan."
For the full interview with the Daily Mail see here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1240406/How-constant-TV-giving-children-speech-problems.html
