Nursery World - Bercow: 10 years on parents face 'postcode lottery' of support

Parents across the country are struggling to find the help they need for children with speech and language problems, according to a wide-ranging new report, which updates the landmark Bercow Review 10 years after it was first published.

Over 1.4 million children and young people in the UK have communication difficulties, the report says, with too many of them not getting the support they need.

The updated review, chaired by the Government's former communication champion Jean Gross, looks at the state of provision for children’s speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) in England in 2018. The review by John Bercow MP in 2008, now the speaker of the House of Commons, was the first of its kind to look at services for children and young people from birth to 19 with SLCN.

The report highlights a broken system, which leaves children at the mercy of a postcode lottery with support varying widely throughout England.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included