Plans to extend the successful Talk With Me programme to support
older children aged 5 to 11 with their speech, language and
communication skills have been published today.
Since launching in 2020, Talk With Me has helped make sure babies
and young children under five receive the support they need to
develop vital communication skills. The Welsh Government is now
consulting on an extended programme, running from 2026-2030,
which will support primary school aged children too.
Research shows that one in five children and young people
struggle with their speech, language and communication, with more
than 10% having long-term needs that create barriers to learning
in everyday life.
The extended plan has five key objectives: raising public
awareness of how to support babies and children with their
speech; helping parents and practitioners spot communication
needs early; making sure children receive the right support at
the right time; upskilling the workforce; and making sure
preventative support is equally available across Wales.
New actions would include a national publicity campaign for
families of 5 to 11-year-olds, a review of support programmes for
school-aged children, and a free online training course for
people working with older children.
Minister for Children and Social Care, , said:
"Every child deserves the chance to communicate confidently and
express themselves. Strong speech, language and communication
skills are fundamental to children's learning, wellbeing and
future opportunities.
"Talk With Me has already made a real difference to our youngest
children, and I am delighted we are now consulting on extending
this vital support to primary school aged children. I encourage
everyone with an interest in children's development to share
their views."
Notes to editors
Notes
- The consultation runs until 30 April 2026 and will be online
from 12pm, Monday January 26, here:
English: https://www.gov.wales/talk-me-phase-2-speech-language-and-communication-slc-delivery-plan-2026-2030
Welsh: https://www.llyw.cymru/siarad-gyda-fi-cam-2-cynllun-cyflawni-ar-gyfer-lleferydd-iaith-chyfathrebu-2026-i-2030
