CHILDREN'S SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION

Early day motion 1987, tabled 8 July 2008 by Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top (Labour). Signed by 71 members.

That this House welcomes the launch of the Bercow Review of services for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs; recognises that the Review is an attempt to support a wide range of children that require targeted and specialist support, along with the up to 50 per cent. of children in some deprived parts of the UK who start primary school with delayed language; notes that for too long children's communication has been overlooked; and urges the Government to look at the report's recommendations, particularly those that aim to improve provision in the early years, embed speech, language and communication into the national curriculum, improve joint working between local agencies through Children's Trusts, develop the skills of the entire children's workforce, give parents and families more information about where and how to get help and advice and to engage with the third sector as a key partner to deliver improved outcomes for children.

Signatures by party: Labour 43, Liberal Democrat 15, Conservative 7, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1.