Navigating Speech & Language Challenges Post Pandemic

For some time, children with speech and language difficulties in the UK have faced long waits for intervention; a position exacerbated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the wake of the pandemic the queues for NHS speech and language therapy continue to grow, as thousands of children wait for vital help that could improve their life chances.

There can be no doubt, the ever-growing waiting lists are putting further pressure on an already under-resourced service.

NHS Speech Therapy Statistics

Latest NHS data shows the true extent of just how many children and young people are waiting to access speech and language therapy services across the UK:

• 65,057 in England
• 6.503 in Scotland
• 2,319 in Wales
• 4,527 in Northern Ireland

It's not just language that is affected by delayed speaking skills. Shocking data from health visitor assessments indicate a worrying rise in children not reaching their expected level of development for their communication skills. This not only impacts on how they progress academically but also creates huge emotional stress, especially if children are already struggling with speech problems.

Health visitor checks show alarming trends, with one child in seven aged 24 to 36 months not communicating at expected levels. This represents a significant jump from previous data, further highlighting concerns around early language development.

Effects on Reaching School Potential

Children who struggle with speaking and language at the age of five find it hard to reach their potential in school. The report also found children are six times less likely to reach the required standards in English and eleven times less likely to be at the primary school endpoint for maths. This data presents a stark picture of the urgent need for early intervention and support to prevent speech/language difficulties compromising later educational achievement.

Research also shows a high degree of association between emotional/behavioural disorders and unmet speech, language and communication needs. Children with these disorders often have unidentified speech and language problems; in fact, a staggering 8 out of every 10 cases. This highlights how intertwined emotional health and linguistic development are, which in turn emphasises the importance of using thorough assessments and intervention methods to support a child's holistic progress.

For families, finding a way through these complex issues of speech delays during pandemic-induced isolation has been a difficult challenge, with children not being able to communicate effectively having a big impact and highlighting the urgency of early intervention.

The demand for speech and language services is overwhelming, and resources are limited. But despite families' best efforts, they are often left on waiting lists with agonising uncertainty as to when a signal for help will arrive.

Yet, on the other hand, there is a silver lining beyond all this. Now, children who would formerly have been held back by speech dyspraxia are improving with the right help. Speech therapy has a ripple effect beyond making the child more linguistically adept; it instils confidence and helps them build social bonds, preparing them to succeed academically and socially.

The previous government had been actively investigating or seeking to work in other ways to improve the earlier identification and support of children with speech and language problems. The Department for Education (DfE) said,

"We are conscious of the effect the pandemic has had on pupils' education, which is why we have made almost £5bn available for education recovery. To help schools spot any language development difficulties early on, we have screened over 500,000 primary school children and helped over 160,000 children in reception classes improve their speech and language over three years across two-thirds of all primary schools."

The previous government had recognised the desperate lack of provision for children with speech and language difficulties and introduced projects like The Early Language and Support for Every Child project, launched in September 2023. This joint NHS England and DfE project focusses on early years and primary school settings and has had a positive impact. Through early identification and intervention, the hope is that every child has the chance to thrive regardless of their language difficulties. It is still yet to be confirmed whether the government will continue this initiative.

What is clear though is that vital services such as Speech and Language support, which provides essential therapy for identified children, must be funded and resourced adequately to not only address the backlog but on an ongoing basis enable all children and young people with identified needs to flourish.

Sara Spinks

SSS Author & Former Headteacher