Communication skills of 1.5 million children knocked back by national lockdown

A new report from the children’s communication charity I CAN estimates that more than 1.5 million UK children and young people risk being left behind in their language development – a direct result of lost learning due to the COVID-19 period.

The summer report, Speaking Up For The Covid Generation, was compiled from the responses of teachers across England, Scotland and Wales in May and June 2021. Its findings suggest that huge numbers of children at primary and secondary level are currently struggling to speak, and understand what is said to them by others. 

If unaddressed, the issue could have major long-term consequences for the developmental skills of a generation, and the report therefore calls for extra measures to be initiated as a matter of urgency. These measures include extending speech and language help to all ages, improving teacher training on speech and language, and assessing children in speaking and understanding language on a regular basis.

Jane Harris, I CAN’s Chief Executive, emphasised the impact of the research: “Our survey shows that teachers in the classroom are not able to support the children who need their help because the support the Government is offering are only for 4- and 5-year-olds. We need an education recovery plan that helps children of all ages to speak and understand language. Without this, how can they learn other subjects, get a job or have decent mental health and relationships?”

Louisa Reeves, Head of Impact and Evidence at I CAN, will speak on the importance of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) post-pandemic, at our nasen Live conference 2021 (24 September 2021). For details on how to secure your place, and to view our speaker list, visit our dedicated page. 

You can read I CAN’s full report below or join the debate on Twitter @ICANcharity #SpeakUpForCovidGen

I CAN’s press release can be viewed below.