Speech, Language & Communication Needs

To get started with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) it is important to understand the differences between them. Knowledge of these differences and how they impact a child is central to specialist SLCN interventions. Teachers and teaching assistants are less likely to have had training in the area. This short video provides a brief but clear overview of speech and language components.

Impact of SLCN

  • Reading difficulties - the reading age gap can go from 3 months at age 6 to 5 years by age 14

  • 15% of children with SLCN achieve 5 or more GCSEs at grade C or above

  • Children with SLCN are more likely to be bullied, feel less able or popular than peers, and at higher risk of mental health difficulties

  • May exhibit behavioural difficulties designed to mask their underlying difficulties

Teacher Talk

  • 37% of teacher instructions contain multiple meanings and 20% at least one idiom

  • Have a volunteer time how long you speak to the whole class for in a lesson. You are likely to be shocked!

  • How do you introduce new vocabulary?

  • When a child says "yes" when you've asked if he/she understands, how do you know?

  • Do you assume children understand the 'everyday' words you are using?

  • Do you ever stop and say "Who can tell me what that word means?"

Classroom Strategies