Conservative MP John Bercow is leading an independent review ofspecialist services for children and young people, with a focus on earlyintervention.
Mr Bercow said, 'My review and expert advisers are looking at whatworks, where problems lie and what practical reforms and improvement canbe made. The call for evidence will be another vital part to building acomprehensive picture of the provision of services around thecountry.'
The review's remit includes advising on the balance between interventionin the early years and provision to children and young people of allages, and how to improve workforce skills in early years settings andschools.
Meanwhile, the communication charity I CAN is calling on nurseries andchildminders to join in the nursery rhyme sing-along, the ChatterboxChallenge, on 4-10 February to raise money and awareness to helpchildren with speech and language difficulties. I CAN, supported by BT'SOpenreach, aims to raise 100,000 this year.
I CAN chief executive Virginia Beardshaw said, 'The Chatterbox Challengeis a fun, simple and inclusive way for children of all ages to singalong to their favourite nursery rhymes. Whether taking part in anursery, with a childminder or at home, all the activities in the freepack have been specifically designed by I CAN speech and languagetherapists with speech, language and communication development inmind.'
FURTHER INFORMATION
For details of the review visitwww.dcsf.gov.uk/bercowreview/index.shtml.
E-mail John Bercow at bercow.review@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk
For a free activity pack visit www.chatterboxchallenge.org.uk.
