Better Communication - the DfSF respond to Bercow

Following the review of services for children and young people with SLCN by John Bercow MP, the Government published Better Communication: An Action Plan to Improve Services for Children and Young People with Speech, Language and Communication Needs on 17 December 2008.

The Action Plan provides details of a range of initiatives across Government to improve services for children and young people with SLCN, culminating in the National Year of Speech, Language and Communication in 2011-12.

Outcomes relevant to AAC include:

• Appointment of Communication Champion from April 2009 for three years with a remit to work with commissioners to sort AAC provision.
• Establishment of a Communication Council in early 2009.
• Strengthening of Children's Trusts (Nov 2008) with a reminder to commissioners about their duty to support all children including those with SLCN (funding for AAC is devolved).
• AAC specific recommendations including £1.5m over 3 years via grants managed by Becta.

Full details can be seen on the Speech, Language and Communication Needs pages of the DfSF website.

The Action Plan represents a significant step forward for the AAC Community.

Last updated: 22/12/08