NEU comments on Children’s Commissioner report on Speech and Language Therapy Services

Commenting on “We Need To Talk: Access to Speech and Language Therapy”, a report published today by Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner for England, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:

“Funding for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities is in crisis. With more children than ever before needing specialist provision, local authorities (LA) and schools are under huge financial pressure as a result of funding shortfalls from central government and cuts to wider LA services.

“Children requiring access to Speech and Language Therapy should not be the victims of a postcode lottery. Children only get one chance at school, and sufficient provision of SLT can ensure a child gets the very best start in life.

“The National Education Union urges the government to listen to the findings of the Children’s Commissioner’s report into Speech and Language Therapy, and ensure that every local authority and school is provided with sufficient funding to enable all pupils in their care timely access to this vital service.”