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Meeting the needs of children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties
Geoff Lindsay1, Julie Dockrell, Martin Desforges
1Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK. Geoff.Lindsay@warwick.ac.uk
Insights
This study found inconsistent services for children with speech, language, and communication needs across England. Concerted action and government leadership are needed to improve provision for these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology
- Public Health Services Research
- Educational Policy Analysis
Background:
- The UK government initiated the Bercow Review to assess services for children with speech, language, and communication needs.
- A commissioned research study provided empirical evidence to inform the Bercow Review's findings and recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service organization and delivery for children with primary speech, language, and communication difficulties.
- To identify best practices and areas for improvement in service provision.
Main Methods:
- Case studies were conducted in six English Local Authorities (LAs) and associated Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).
- Interviews were held with senior managers in LAs (special educational needs) and PCTs (speech and language therapy).
- 23 head teachers/heads of specialist provision were interviewed, and policy documents were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: identification, needs provision, monitoring/evaluation, and research/evaluation.
- Significant variations were observed between LAs and PCTs in data management and utilization.
- Collaboration levels between LAs and PCTs in policy development and practice implementation differed notably.
Conclusions:
- The study highlighted a lack of consistent service provision across LAs and PCTs for children with speech, language, and communication difficulties.
- Optimizing services requires coordinated efforts and central government leadership.
- The research informed the Bercow Review, leading to government-addressed recommendations and an action plan.
Background:
The UK government set up a review of provision for children and young people with the full range of speech, language and communication needs led by a Member of Parliament, John Bercow. A research study was commissioned to provide empirical evidence to inform the Bercow Review.
Aims:
To examine the efficiency and effectiveness of different arrangements for organizing and providing services for children and young people with needs associated with primary speech, language and communication difficulties.
Methods & Procedures:
Six Local Authorities in England and associated Primary Care Trusts were selected to represent a range of locations reflecting geographic spread, urban/rural and prevalence of children with speech, language and communication difficulties. In each case study, interviews were held with the senior Local Authority manager for special educational needs and a Primary Care Trust senior manager for speech and language therapy. A further 23 head teachers or heads of specialist provision for speech, language and communication difficulties were also interviewed and policy documents were examined.
Outcomes & Results:
A thematic analysis of the interviews produced four main themes: identification of children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties; meeting their needs; monitoring and evaluation; and research and evaluation. There were important differences between Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts in the collection, analysis and use of data, in particular. There were also differences between Local Authority/Primary Care Trust pairs, especially in the degree to which they collaborated in developing policy and implementing practice.
Conclusions & Implications:
This study has demonstrated a lack of consistency across Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts. Optimizing provision to meet the needs of children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties will require concerted action, with leadership from central government. The study was used by the Bercow Review whose recommendations have been addressed by central government and a funded action plan has been implemented as a result.
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