SLCN advice and guidance

General SLCN information to support parents and carers.

Overview

Approximately 10% of all children and young people (CYP) have long-term or persistent speech, language and communications needs (SLCN).

That’s around 2 to 3 pupils in every classroom and the most prevalent special educational need identified by primary schools.

Effects of SLCN

SLCN affects all aspects of communication including:

  • expressing ideas and emotions
  • forming sounds, words and sentences
  • understanding others
  • using language socially

CYP with SLCN may have difficulty with only one speech, language or communication skill or several.

For further information, watch Identifying SLCN and Creating a Quality Communication Environment on YouTube.